A Florida man with 21 prior felony convictions was arrested after deputies discovered methamphetamine, a handgun, and hundreds of dollars in cash beneath his seat during an overnight traffic stop.
Edward Dontave Weatherspoon, 43, sat in the back seat of a vehicle Escambia County deputies stopped on October 14, 2026, when his movements drew their attention.
A K-9 unit was called to the scene and alerted to the possible presence of narcotics. Deputies searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine, a .25-caliber firearm, a glass pipe, and $640 in cash.
The discovery resulted in four criminal charges against Weatherspoon, including methamphetamine trafficking and two firearm-related offenses. A criminal history check also revealed his extensive felony record, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Under The Seat
The encounter began near Fernwood Drive and Fairfield Drive, where deputies conducted a traffic stop overnight on October 14.
Weatherspoon was riding in the back seat when deputies noticed what the sheriff’s office described as suspicious movements beneath him.
The agency did not specify what prompted the original traffic stop or describe the movements in greater detail. Deputies requested assistance from a K-9 unit, which responded to examine the vehicle for narcotics.
After the dog alerted, deputies searched the passenger compartment and located the items beneath the seat Weatherspoon had occupied.
The recovered methamphetamine weighed approximately 27 grams, while the firearm was identified as a .25-caliber handgun. Deputies also collected a glass pipe and roughly $640 in cash.
The sheriff’s office did not identify the driver or say whether it arrested any other occupants.
A Previous Record
After the discovery, deputies checked Weatherspoon’s criminal history and found 21 prior felony convictions.
The sheriff’s office included that information in its public announcement but did not identify the earlier offenses, when they occurred, or the sentences imposed.
The felony record was significant to the new arrest because Florida law generally prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms unless their firearm rights have been restored.
Deputies charged Weatherspoon with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
He also faces trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia charges stemming from the items recovered during the search.
Four New Charges
The sheriff’s office credited its A South District deputies and K-9 deputies for their work during the traffic stop.
Weatherspoon’s arrest adds another criminal case to the history the agency described, although the available announcement does not establish the circumstances or outcomes of his earlier convictions.
We have not independently verified his bond amount, current custody status, or next court appearance.