Deputies: Felon Arrested During Traffic Stop Carry Drugs, Weapon

PARKLAND, WA — A fairly routine traffic stop in Parkland took a turn for the dramatic late Saturday night.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, just before midnight two deputies saw several vehicles driving down Pacific Ave S with no license plates.

They followed and stopped two of the three vehicles, but while interviewing the driver of one of the cars, a black Mercedes, they found that he didn't have a license or insurance, only a Department of Corrections ID card. His car's registration had also been expired since 2018.

After checking his identity, deputies found the man had a felony DOC warrant for escape, and that his license had also been suspended. While detaining the driver, they say they saw a pistol through the car windows, and called in backup from the Fife Police Department for further investigation.

After checking the car with a narcotics K9, the deputies say they got a search warrant for the vehicle and ultimately uncovered 38 grams of methamphetamine, one gram of cocaine and a stolen handgun.

The 30-year-old suspect has since been booked into the Pierce County Jail for his warrant and for unlawful possession of a firearm. He is also likely to face charges for possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.