Two arrested on felony charges after routine city traffic stop

Bryant
Bryant

A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of two previously convicted felons Saturday on multiple felony charges after drugs and a gun were allegedly found in the vehicle.

photo

Gillespie

Brentenn Laray Bryant, 26, who lists a Mountain Pine address, and Anthony Dewayne Gillespie Jr., 27, who lists an Illinois Street address, were taken into custody shortly after 11:30 a.m. and each charged with felony counts of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, punishable by up to life in prison, possession of a firearm by certain persons, punishable by up to 20 years, possession of marijuana with purpose to deliver, punishable by up to six years, and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both remained in custody in lieu of $10,000 bond and were set to appear Monday in Garland County District Court.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Hot Springs police Officer Jonathan Smith was northbound on Central Avenue when he saw a southbound white 2012 Mitsubishi Galant with expired temporary tags turn onto Trivista Street, squealing its tires and almost hitting another vehicle.

He made a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 100 block of Trivista and made contact with the driver, identified as Bryant, and front-seat passenger, identified as Gillespie. Smith noted Bryant's hands were shaking and he had stuttered speech as he told the officer he might have a failure to appear warrant because he missed a previous court date.

Officer Shane Lewis arrived to assist and a computer check showed both men were clear as far as warrants, but both had prior felony convictions. The men reportedly gave consent for the vehicle to be searched and were also patted down.

In searching the car, officers allegedly found two fraudulent $100 bills and a baggie containing 34.5 grams of suspected marijuana, presumed to be K2 or synthetic marijuana based on the odor. They then found seven other small baggies of suspected K2 marijuana, a total of about 6.5 grams, digital scales and a box containing a loaded .22-caliber handgun.

Both were taken into custody on the felony charges and Bryant was also cited for careless or prohibited driving and driving on a suspended license.

Local on 05/08/2018

Upcoming Events