PHOTO: The Rainsville Police Department found a loaded Taurus Millennium 9mm handgun, along with marijuana after a traffic stop. (Rainsville Police Department)

By Staff Reports

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — In a combined effort of Rainsville Police Department and the Powell Police Department and the Powell Police Department, a possible violent crime was prevented on Monday (July 10) at approximately 10 am. The crime that was prevented is still under investigation.

Officer Anthony Auston, of the Rainsville Police Department and Detective Todd Bowen conducted a traffic stop for speeding. Auston made the stop on Highway 35 at CP Auto Parts.

After making the stop, he then called Detective Todd Bowen for assistance. The officers asked for consent to search the car due to a strong smell of marijuana coming from the car. Consent was given, and the officers searched the car.

In the glove box, officers found a brown paper bag with four plastic bags of suspected marijuana. Each of the bags weighed approximately 28 grams. There was also a loaded Taurus Millenium 9mm handgun in the console.

The driver, nor any of the passengers claimed the marijuana that was found. The driver did claim the firearm, but did not have a carry permit to provide to the officers. All subjects in the car were arrested and taken to the Rainsville City Jail for booking on charges of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, first degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver was additionally charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.