Authorities say some involved ‘ghost guns.’
Frederick, Md. (KM) – Frederick Police say a series of pro-active patrol stops have resulted in arrests for firearms offenses, including possession of a “ghost gun.”
On Sunday, July 31st, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a possible suspended license. During the stop, the officer detected an odor of marijuana from the vehicle. A search was conducted. Authorities say Nieara Marquise Johnson was found to be carrying and concealing a Glock 19 handgun,. and was also charged with driving on a suspended license.
At around 6:10 PM on Monday, August 1st, police say another officer pulled over a vehicle for a motorist driving with a suspended license. During the stop, the officer smelled pot, and saw the driver, identified as Michael Zade Matthews, pass a bag to a passenger. Matthews was arrested. During a search of the vehicle, the officer located a polymer 80 handgun which is also known as a “ghost gun.”
An officer doing a check in a parking lot in the 300 block of North Market Street early Sunday morning, August 7th, saw three individuals inside a vehicle. While approaching the vehicle, the officer smelled pot. Police say a search of the vehicle netted 30 grams of marijuana and a loaded 9MM handgun.
Two individuals were arrested. Eric Cooper and Matthew Summerour-Stephsensen were taken into custody. Police says Summerour-Stephensen is prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm. .
“The Frederick Police Department’s patrol division works diligently daily to keep illegal firearms off the street and out of the hands of criminals,” says Lt. Matt Carrado, Patrol Division One Commander, in a statement. “While the prevalence of ‘ghost guns;’ in our community and others has become more common and concerning, our department devotes significant resources to investigations into illegal firearms and patrol efforts. Our officers are extremely well-trained in identifying signs of illegal firearm possession and their efforts in recent weeks have proven effective by getting several guns off the streets.”
By Kevin McManus