ST. CROIX — A traffic stop prompted by a fully tinted windshield led to the arrest of a man on firearm and ammunition charges after police say they found a loaded handgun near the driver’s seat of his vehicle.
The incident occurred Wednesday morning when officers spotted a red Acura TSX traveling east on Peter’s Rest Road. Police said the vehicle’s windshield was “fully tinted,” contrary to current regulations, and officers followed the Acura before initiating a traffic stop.
The driver, later identified as K’shawn Fredericks, reportedly told officers that he was trying to reach his grandmother’s house after learning of his brother’s death. He initially handed over several documents that did not include his driver’s license, vehicle registration or proof of insurance, but later produced his license along with digital proof of registration and insurance.
Officers said they detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and questioned Mr. Fredericks about his marijuana use. They also asked for permission to search the Acura, at which point police say he began stuttering. Mr. Fredericks was ordered out of the vehicle, and officers removed a knife from his pants pocket.
During a search of the vehicle, an officer reportedly found a firearm near the driver’s seat. Forensic technicians later identified the weapon as a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol with nine rounds of live ammunition in the magazine.
Police said Mr. Fredericks did not respond when asked whether he had a license to carry a firearm in the territory. A subsequent records check determined that he did not have one.
He was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition before being remanded into custody pending his advice-of-rights hearing.
At that hearing on Friday, Magistrate Christopher Timmons found probable cause to uphold both charges. Bail remained set at $50,000, but Mr. Fredericks was permitted to post 10 percent in cash, with the remainder secured through an unsecured bond.
