A traffic stop resulted in the arrests of two people on criminal charges and recovery of a stolen firearm according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were patrolling in the City of Natchitoches on May 2 around 10:45 am when they stopped a 2003 Toyota SUV at the intersections of Rowena Street and Highland Park Drive for a traffic violation.
Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as Demarkus R. Nicholas, 18 of Natchitoches.
Two other passengers were identified in the vehicle, one being Javonte Davis, 17 of Natchitoches.
Deputies say when they asked Nicholas for his driver’s license he responded he did not have a license.”
The deputy smelled a strong marijuana smoke odor. Back-up units responded to assist.
Deputies learned during an NLETS law enforcement drivers license/wanted person check, Nicholas drivers license was suspended.
Deputies asked Nicholas if there were any illegal narcotics or weapons in the vehicle in which he responded a “doobie” commonly known as marijuana.
A probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of a small amount of suspected marijuana and a loaded Glock, model# 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun concealed under the moonroof cover.
A National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check revealed the firearm was reported stolen to the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies also learned Javonte Davis, was wanted by the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office on active criminal warrants for Aggravated Assault by Drive-By Shooting, Theft of a Firearm and Simple Burglary of a Vehicle. Both Davis and Nicholas were placed under arrest without incident.
As a result of the traffic stop and investigation:
*Demarkus R. Nicholas, was issued a criminal citation for Simple Possession of CDS I Marijuana, traffic citations, and released pending a court appearance in the 10th Judicial District Court.
*Javonte Davis, was charged with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm after he allegedly claimed ownership of the recovered stolen firearm. This charge is in Natchitoches Parish. Davis was also charged on the Bienville Parish warrants for Aggravated Assault by Drive-By Shooting, Theft of a Firearm, Simple Burglary of a Vehicle and transported to the Jackson Parish Detention Center awaiting bonds through Natchitoches and Bienville Parishes.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis.
NPSO Detectives notified the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office of the weapon recovery where additional charges may be filed pending their investigation.
Sheriff Stuart Wright said that he pleased with the efforts of deputies continuing their efforts in taking guns off the streets in Natchitoches Parish.”
Involved in the arrests were: Deputy A. Middleton assisted by Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau.
Mugshots were currently unavailable.