Handgun, Suspected Weed Found During Westlake Traffic Stop

WESTLAKE, OH — A semi-automatic handgun was found during a traffic stop in Westlake on June 18, according to police.

An officer on patrol stopped a car on Bassett, at Detroit, after discovering the owner of the car had an active warrant. The driver, a 34-year-old, was wanted by North Olmsted police.

There was also a passenger in the car, but they refused to identify themselves to officers. Police became suspicious and searched the car.

Inside the vehicle, officers found suspected marijuana, a scale and packaging bags. There was also a loaded, semi-automatic handgun beneath the passenger seat. Police said the gun had been reported as stolen in Cleveland.

The passenger, a 27-year-old from Cleveland, was taken into custody for receiving stolen property and having a weapon under a disability (he had warrants for his arrest and prior weapons and narcotics charges).