Flagler County deputies seize stolen firearm, marijuana, and paraphernalia during routine traffic violation
Two Bradford County men face multiple charges after a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped their vehicle for a traffic violation on U.S. 1 in Palm Coast.
Daquan Jackson (L) and Damarcus Brown (R) (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mugshots)
Daquan Jackson, 22, and Damarcus Brown, 21, both of Starke, were traveling northbound on U.S. 1 with their high beams on when a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of U.S. 1 and Kankakee Trail.
The deputy reported detecting a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Jackson, the driver, told the deputy he had a medical marijuana card. However, the deputy observed that both Jackson and Brown had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.
Jackson agreed to perform field sobriety exercises but was unable to complete them successfully. Deputies arrested him for driving under the influence.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies found marijuana that was not stored in its original dispensary container. Brown provided deputies with a black bag containing plastic bags, two scales, and a small bag of marijuana.
Additional items discovered in the vehicle included a handgun with a removed serial number under the driver’s seat, marijuana in a red plastic cup, a smoked marijuana cigarette on the floorboard, and a backpack containing two more scales, plastic bags, and a large jar of marijuana. Deputies also found two bottles of cough medicine containing an unknown substance, which were sent to a laboratory for testing.
“This is yet another example of how proactive policing and a simple traffic stop can lead to illegal drugs and a stolen firearm being taken off our streets,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Had these men been sober, they may have gotten away with a simple citation, but now they are facing felonies.”
Jackson was charged with DUI, possession of a firearm with a removed serial number, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and violation of probation. He also received a citation for failure to dim high beams. Brown was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Records show Jackson has prior convictions for cocaine possession with intent to sell, violation of probation, and felony battery.
Both men were transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Jackson is being held without bond, while Brown’s bond is set at $5,000. The vehicle was seized for potential forfeiture due to its use in the commission of felonies.
