Traffic Stop Leads To Marijuana, Weapons Charges: Trumbull Police

TRUMBULL, CT — A couple was arrested early Tuesday morning after officers discovered several pounds of marijuana and weapons in their vehicle during a traffic stop in Trumbull, according to police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir said Steffon McDonald, 43, of Bronx, N.Y., was driving a 2004 Ford van on Route 25 around 1 a.m. and ran a red light when he got off Exit 6 onto Old Town Road.

When an officer stopped the van nearby, McDonald said he forgot his license at home, however his girlfriend lived close by and could bring it to him, according to Weir.

While speaking with McDonald, the officer smelled marijuana inside the van. When asked if there was any marijuana in the vehicle, McDonald said he had "one blunt," according to Weir.

A short time later, Coretta Hines-Campbell, 35, of Bridgeport, arrived at the scene and got out of her car. After McDonald got out of his vehicle, Hines-Campbell jumped into the van and began to drive it away, however she was stopped by police, Weir said.

When Hines-Campbell opened the van's door, police found "nun chuck" style weapons and a large knife within reach of the driver's seat, Weir said.

After further investigation, police also found 10 bags of marijuana weighing over six pounds and over $28,000 in cash inside the van, Weir said.

McDonald was charged with interfering with an officer, possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, operating a drug factory, use of drug paraphernalia and sale of a narcotic substance. He was also issued an infraction for operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to obey a traffic signal.

McDonald was held on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court later this month.

Hines-Campbell was charged with interfering with an officer and released on a promise to appear in court later this month.