Traffic Stop Uncovers Stolen Firearm

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Two Pike County residents were arrested following a traffic stop after police found a stolen firearm in their vehicle.

 

The stop took place after a Pikeville Police officer noticed a Ford Explorer swerving along US 23. After performing a traffic stop, the officer noticed that the driver of the vehicle, 41-year-old Heather Smith, of Pikeville, appeared to be intoxicated and had a suspended license.

 

After placing Smith under arrest, the officer found a loaded 9mm handgun inside the vehicle’s center console. Smith told the officer that the gun was hers, but a check of the serial number revealed that it had been reported stolen.

 

After making this discovery, she informed the officer that her passenger, 52-year-old Jeffrey Johnson, of Virgie, had told her to say the gun belonged to her, threatening to leave otherwise.

 

Both individuals were charged with receiving stolen property. Johnson was additionally charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Smith was also charged with DUI and several traffic violations.