Stolen Handgun Found During I-555 Traffic Stop, State Police Say

JONESBORO, Ark. — An 18-year-old faces felony and misdemeanor charges after Arkansas State Police said a stolen handgun was discovered beneath his seat during a traffic stop in Craighead County.

Daquan Leshaun Law was arrested for theft by receiving property valued at less than $1,000, a Class D felony, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.

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At about 10:40 p.m. June 10, an Arkansas State Police trooper was conducting stationary radar enforcement on Interstate 555 near the 45-mile marker. The trooper reported clocking a northbound vehicle at 83 mph in a 65 mph zone.

The vehicle was occupied by a driver, Law in the front passenger seat and a juvenile in the back seat, according to the incident report. The trooper reported smelling marijuana and asked the occupants to leave the vehicle for a search.

Law allegedly told the trooper that a handgun was inside the center console and claimed it belonged to the driver. During the search, the trooper found a loaded Canik 9 mm handgun beneath the front passenger seat where Law had been sitting.

A check through the Arkansas Crime Information Center showed the handgun had been reported stolen, the report states.

The trooper also reported finding suspected marijuana in the driver’s door pocket. A Glock 9 mm handgun and an extended magazine were allegedly found near where the juvenile had been sitting in the rear passenger area.

Small pieces of plastic consistent with narcotics packaging were also found near the center console, but the packaging was empty, according to the report.

The driver was cited and released. The juvenile was taken to the Craighead County Juvenile Detention Center.

Law was taken to the Craighead County Detention Center. During the intake process, he reportedly told detention staff that he had ingested several narcotics before leaving and needed medical assistance. He was then taken for medical evaluation and treatment.

Bond was set at $75,000 cash or surety.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.