Florida Man With 21 Prior Felony Convictions Arrested After Methamphetamine, Firearm Recovered During Traffic Stop

Escambia County, FL (BuzzReport) — A traffic stop in Escambia County, Florida, led to the arrest of a 43-year-old man after deputies allegedly discovered methamphetamine, a firearm, cash, and drug paraphernalia concealed beneath his seat, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 14, deputies conducted a traffic stop near Fernwood Drive and Fairfield Drive. During the stop, Edward Dontave Weatherspoon, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, reportedly made suspicious movements beneath his seat, prompting deputies to investigate further.

A K-9 unit was called to the scene, and the dog alerted deputies to the possible presence of narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine, $640 in cash, a .25-caliber firearm, and a glass pipe from beneath Weatherspoon’s seat.

The investigation took a more serious turn when deputies conducted a criminal history check, which reportedly revealed that Weatherspoon had 21 prior felony convictions. Authorities subsequently arrested him and filed multiple charges, including trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The firearm-related allegations are particularly significant because individuals convicted of qualifying felonies are generally prohibited under Florida and federal law from possessing firearms, subject to applicable legal exceptions and restrictions.

Weatherspoon now faces multiple criminal charges stemming from the traffic stop. The allegations have not been established as facts in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.