Two Jacksonville men face multiple felony charges after what began as a routine traffic stop for a broken headlight on Interstate 95 Friday night turned into a major search and arrest, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies attempted to stop a white Nissan going south near mile marker 290 after observing it had just one operable headlight. The vehicle did not immediately pull over, instead going south on the interstate before exiting at Palm Coast Parkway and parking at a Shell gas station on Boulder Rock Drive.
Authorities identified the driver as 20-year-old Desmond Washington and the passenger as 27-year-old Darius Caldwell, both from Jacksonville.
When deputies approached the automobile, they reported smelling marijuana and seeing two clear plastic bags with a green leafy substance in plain sight. A further check of the vehicle turned up many bags of marijuana, unopened plastic baggies, several used bags with drug residue, a digital scale, loose ammo, and a loaded Canik 9mm handgun hidden beneath the rear passenger seat.
Deputies also discovered multiple driver’s licences and bank cards belonging to people who weren’t in the vehicle.
“This is precisely why we enforce traffic laws, because criminals drive the roads, and what begins as a minor traffic violation can escalate into felony arrests,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly stated. “I commend our deputies for overlooking the traffic infringement. Bring your dope down I-95 into Flagler County and check into the Green Roof Inn.”
Washington was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance in excess of 20 grammes without a prescription, possession with intent to sell, and possession of five or more identification documents. He was put into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and eventually released on a bond of $11,000.
Caldwell was charged with possessing a controlled substance in excess of 20 grammes without a prescription, as well as possession with the intent to sell. He was likewise put into the institution and later freed after posting a $7,500 bond.
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