RAEFORD — A man previously convicted of a felony was detained and arrested on Jan. 2.
Members of the Hoke County Special Operations Unit were in the area of Rockfish Rd. in Raeford following up on an active narcotic complaint when detectives got behind a white Mercedes. As the vehicle left the gas station at Rockfish Rd. and Lindsay Rd., they conducted a traffic stop after observing the vehicle committing a traffic violation, according to a news release from the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office.
During the traffic stop, the driver was identified as Bradley James Lee Simmons. Officers asked Mr. Simmons to step outside the vehicle so a K9 officer could check the vehicle. He complied and the K9 gave a positive alert for narcotics.
A search of the vehicle resulted in detectives locating a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun. While conducting the search Mr. Simmons then attempted to throw a plastic bag to the ground. The bag was recovered and a “large amount” of suspected methamphetamine was located by the officers. Simmons was placed under arrest. Detectives also learned at that point he was also a convicted felon.
Simmons was transported to the Hoke County Detention Center and charged with two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearm by a convicted felon. Mr. Simmons was held on a $250,000 bond.