SYLACAUGA, Ala. – A Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun, reported stolen out of Bessemer, led to the arrest of a Sylacauga man following a traffic stop on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
According to the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, two task force agents stopped a vehicle for speeding at about 8:30 p.m. on Heaslett Rd. near McGowan’s Ferry Rd., just outside of Childersburg. During the investigation, agents determined that one of the passengers was sitting on a firearm.
The passenger was identified as 50-year old Christopher Wayne Duke. After confirming the handgun had been reported stolen, agents took Duke into custody.
Duke was charged with receiving stolen property in the second degree, a Class C felony under Alabama law. Upon conviction, the charge carries a possible sentence of one year and one day to 10 years in prison.
Duke was transported to the Talladega County Metro Jail following his arrest. Jail records show he was held on a $7,500 bond.
According to those records, Duke later posted bond and was released.
