JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
An illegal drive-out tag was the reason for traffic stop that led to multiple charges for a Macon man.
Quadir Ryqueeb Lawrence, 21, was arrested April 28 on charges of theft by receiving stolen property felony, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies.
A report of the incident leading to the arrest by Jones County Deputy Kasey Carr stated that he was monitoring traffic on the Gray bypass when he observed a silver Dodge sedan traveling north with a tag that was not an official Georgia drive-out tag.
He performed a traffic stop and informed the driver of the car the reason for the stop. The driver said the car belonged to the back seat passenger, who told the officer the Dodge had been purchased at an auction with the drive-out tag attached. Carr said while speaking to the owner of the car, he smelled marijuana. The deputy returned to his patrol car and ran the information of the front seat passenger through GCIC on his computer.
The result of the search was an active warrant for Lawrence, the passenger. Carr said the suspect was informed of the warrant and taken into custody. The deputy asked Lawrence about the marijuana, and he admitted it belonged to him.
Carr said he began a search of the vehicle after Deputy Steven Astyk arrived to assist with the traffic stop. Carr said he spotted a jacket at Quadir’s feet that contained two large bags of marijuana.
The deputy said it was confirmed by dispatch that Quadir had an active warrant out of Philadelphia, and Astyk secured the suspect for transport. During a search of the subject, a Taurus 9mm gun was found in the waistband of his pants.
The report states driver was given a verbal warning and released, and Quadir was transported to the Jones County Law Enforcement Center by Astyk. Carr said he logged the pistol and marijuana into evidence and secured warrants for Quadir.
