A Leesburg man was arrested for gun possession as a convicted felon after being stopped for speeding while traveling 27 miles per hour over the limit.
Police observed a black vehicle traveling 82 mph in a 55-mph area on U.S. Hwy. 27 at about 2 a.m. Saturday, according to a case report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies then conducted a traffic stop in the area of U.S. Hwy, 27 and Highland Lake Boulevard.Â
Upon speaking with the occupants, deputies could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver, 53-year-old Donahue Andre Francis, and female passenger were both identified by their licenses, and a check showed that Francis had 12 previous convictions for driving while his license was suspended, the report said.Â
Francis also advised that he had a firearm in the center console of the vehicle. Due to the strong odor of marijuana, both occupants were asked to step out of the vehicle. They were also asked if they could be patted down, and both consented, the report said.Â
During the search, deputies found a silver and black Glock 43X loaded with eight rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber in the center console. A criminal history check revealed that Francis was a convicted felon and thus should not be in possession of the 9mm pistol, the report said. Â
Francis later admitted the gun was his and that he knew where it was located in the vehicle. He bought it from a third party and not from a store, the report said.Â
The Jamaican native was arrested on charge of possession of weapon or ammo by convicted felon. He was also given a written warning for speeding. He was transported to the Lake County Jail and released after posting $10,000 bond.
