Early Thursday morning at approximately 3:15 a.m., Master Deputy Gaddie observed a white Durango SUV with illegal window tint, parked at the Circle K gas station on SR 100 in Palm Coast. The vehicle’s occupants were interacting with the occupants of a blue Chevrolet Malibu, also in the parking lot. M/D Gaddie conducted a traffic stop on the Durango on I-95N and determined the tint to be 2%.
Upon contacting the driver, later identified as Paul Copeland, 39 of Port St. Lucie, M/D Gaddie determined he was on inmate release status after being convicted of 2nd Degree Murder in February 2003. Copeland told Deputy Gaddie the vehicle was a rental enroute to Georgia. His passenger identified himself as Alphonso Williams, 38 from Opa-locka, Florida. Deputy Gaddie detected a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Copeland admitted to having a small amount of marijuana inside the vehicle.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located various commercial-grade packages of marijuana, and a red packaged bag containing 3.5 grams per bar of psilocybin mushrooms, as well as a marijuana grinder and digital scale. While searching the rear driver side passenger area, deputies located two concealed license plates hidden beneath the floorboard, one from the state of New York and the other from Illinois. Neither tag had been entered as stolen at the time of the traffic stop. In the center console, deputies located a Glock 27 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine. The firearm had been reported stolen by the Hollywood Police Department.
Deputies found additional items that would indicate criminal activity which included: two sets of gloves, a pair of binoculars, three full-coverage facemasks, two sets of goggles, various power tools, and two spring-activated window punches. Black electrical tape strips had also been placed to conceal the VIN plate and rental vehicle barcode.
Copeland was arrested for two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Grand Theft – Firearm, Possession of Marijuana – 20 Grams or Less, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Equipment, and Possession of a Hallucinogen. He was transported to Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he is currently being held without bond.
In addition to his recent conviction, Copeland’s criminal history includes Marijuana Possession, Burglary, Felony Attempted Murder, Firing Weapon Shoot/Throw into Vehicle, Grand Theft, Damaged Property/Criminal Mischief and Petit Theft.
Williams was arrested for Possession of Marijuana – Less than 20 grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
He has an extensive and violent criminal history in the state of Florida which includes Armed Burglary, Battery, Assault, Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, Domestic Violence/Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Aggravated Assault with Weapon, Kidnapping, Carrying Weapon/Ammo by Violent Carrer Criminal, in addition to various other theft and drug-related charges. Williams was arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he was later released on $1,000 bond.
The blue Chevrolet Malibu was stopped after the driver failed to come to a complete stop as it was leaving the Circle-K. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Virgil Woodson, Jr. 28 of Opa-locka, FL. His passenger was identified as Miquel Reddick, 32 from Miami.
During a probable cause search of this vehicle, deputies located two open commercial-grade marijuana bags. Deputies also located indicators of criminal activity: one of the gloves matching a pair found in the Durango, a pair of binoculars, and a matching spring-loaded window punch. Woodson admitted to knowing the two men in the Durango. He said they grew up in the same area but claimed they were not traveling together. Both Woodson and Reddick were arrested for Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They were transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on $1,000 bond each.
Both men have extensive criminal histories in the state of Florida. Woodson’s consists of Trespassing, Grand Theft Vehicle, Home Invasion w/ Firearm Other Deadly Weapon, Battery, Robbery Armed Firearm or Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and other various drug and theft-related charges. Reddick’s consists of Homicide/Manslaughter with a Firearm, Battery, First Degree Arson, Firearm Possession on School Property, Strong-arm Robbery, Carrying Concealed Weapon, and several other theft and drug-related charges.
“Four violent offenders clearly up to no good made the fatal mistake of stopping in Flagler County,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “These dirtbags clearly are not learning and continue their life of crime. Unfortunately, three were released on bond but at least the convicted killer is being held at the Green Roof Inn. I commend Master Deputy Gaddie for his observation and pro-active patrols. There is no telling how many crimes were prevented by catching these south Florida criminals before they could prey on our community. They found out we don’t play games here in Flagler County.”
FCSO’s Investigative Services Division is continuing the investigation and working with other agencies in an attempt to locate victims of their criminal activity.
