Traffic stop results in felony drug, gun charges
A Camden man was arrested early Saturday on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a routine traffic stop reportedly uncovered a loaded gun and drugs in his vehicle.
Christopher Wayne Pennington, 28, was taken into custody shortly after 2:30 a.m. and charged with felony counts of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, punishable by up to life in prison, possession of meth with purpose to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia, each punishable by up to 20 years, and misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana with purpose to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pennington was held over the weekend on zero bond and was set to appear Monday in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly after 2 a.m., Hot Springs police officer Thomas Plummer made a traffic stop on a white 2003 Chevrolet Tracker at the corner of Cottrell and Frazier streets after the driver, later identified as Pennington, reportedly ran a red light.
Upon contact with Pennington, Plummer noted a smell of marijuana and Pennington reportedly admitted to having some in the car and handed the officer a bag of the drug. After also observing a marijuana smoking pipe in the console, Plummer had Pennington step out to search further.
Additional bags of marijuana were allegedly found in Pennington’s pants pocket along with a bag containing what later tested positive for meth. Plummer also noted a holster on Pennington’s hip and Pennington showed him where he had a Glock .42-caliber handgun near the driver’s seat. The gun was loaded and additional ammunition was found in the car.
Plummer also located a large plastic bag containing more meth, for a total of 7.4 grams of meth between the two bags. The total of marijuana from the multiple bags was reportedly 4.6 grams. Also found in the car was a set of digital scales.
A female passenger was also asked to step out and questioned and she claimed no knowledge of the gun or drugs. Pennington told Plummer the weapon and drugs all belonged to him.
In addition to the other charges, Pennington was cited for failure to stop at a red light and driving on a suspended license.