Phony plate leads to arrest over stolen gun
A phony temporary tag piqued a Darby Township officer’s interest and resulted in the arrest of a Philadelphia man for having a stolen fully automatic handgun.
Police on patrol Tuesday night spotted a 2012 Dodge minivan with the counterfeit Delaware tag as it traveled east on Hook Road at Industrial Drive.
Police followed the vehicle and also saw a defective brake light. Officers proceeded to attempt to pull the minivan over at 84th Street and Lindburgh Boulevard in the city limits about 11:30 p.m., Darby Township said in a crime alert.
As the officer got out of his vehicle, the minivan driver pulled away, and the officer radioed to other police, who were eventually able to stop the vehicle.
Officers placed the operator, Tamir Mozelle,19, Philadelphia, under arrest for numerous violations.
As they secured the scene, officers observed in plain view a Glock 17 handgun with an extended magazine.
The firearm was loaded with an additional live round, including a round in the firing chamber. Officers also found that the firearm contained a component that would allow the firearm to become fully automatic.
Police ran a check on the weapon and discovered it had been reported stolen from a resident in Philadelphia.
Mozelle was arraigned by District Judge Robert R. Burke on numerous counts, including aggravated assault, possession of stolen property, possession of firearm prohibited, and fleeing and eluding police.
Bail was set at 10% of $250,000, which Mozelle was unable to post, so he was transported to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 21.