Traffic stop leads police to loaded AR-15 pistol in vehicle

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A 27-year-old resident of Detroit is facing a charge of carrying a concealed weapon following a traffic stop in Shelby Township during the early morning Aug. 5

At 2 a.m., a Shelby Township police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding near Auburn and Ryan Roads. According to police, after the vehicle pulled over, the officer observed the driver toss something toward the back seat.

The driver then opened the door and exited the vehicle, walking toward the patrol car and the officer while refusing commands to stay inside his vehicle, according to police.

After noncompliance with the officer, the officer handcuffed the driver until another officer arrived for assistance. When looking in the window of the driver’s vehicle, officers reportedly observed an American Tactical AR-15 pistol. 

Upon retrieving the firearm, police reportedly saw that it had a loaded magazine with a round in the chamber. Sgt. Mark Benedettini, of the Shelby Township Police Department, said officers could see the weapon was not hidden and easily accessible.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt in this incident, and the driver was arrested and charged with CCW, as he does not have a concealed pistol license,” he said.

The defendant apparently has yet to be arraigned in the 41A District Court. According to electronic court records, the defendant is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 28. The court records indicate that an attorney will be appointed to him at that time.

Robert Shelide, Shelby Township police chief, said he is proud of the work his officers do daily.

“This is another great example by one of our officers being proactive and getting a gun off the streets of Shelby Township, likely preventing a potential tragedy,” he said.