What started as a routine traffic stop in Tampa turned into a much more serious incident after deputies spotted a sawed-off shotgun through the rear window of the vehicle. They then found 67 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside.
Hillsborough deputies responded to a report from concerned citizens in the area of North 50th Street shortly before 2 a.m. on August 28. After some time, deputies identified a vehicle they believed could be connected to the situation and stopped it near North 50th Street and Uceta Road, according to Sheriff Chad Chronister.
During the traffic stop, deputies were able to see a sawed-off shotgun through the vehicle’s rear window.
After searching the vehicle, deputies found more than the firearm. 67 grams of methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia, were also found in the car.
The Shotgun Was Sitting in Plain Sight
The fact that deputies could see the shotgun through the rear window made it one of the first things they noticed during the stop. What started as calls from concerned citizens quickly became something larger.
Deputies said the sawed-off shotgun was found in the truck during the stop. The video released by the Sheriff’s Office also shows deputies finding the methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the passenger seat.
The driver was identified as 30-year-old Malik Hatcher. The passenger, 37-year-old Ashley McCabe, was also arrested after deputies discovered the weapon and drugs.
A Serious List of Charges
Hatcher is facing several charges following the traffic stop, including possession of a short-barreled shotgun, armed possession of a controlled substance, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is also charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
McCabe is facing charges of trafficking in amphetamine, involving between 28 and 200 grams, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. 67 grams of methamphetamine was found inside the vehicle. The calls from the concerned citizens ended up being a big win for the sheriff’s department.
Reactions Were Bright
The Facebook post attracted plenty of support from people thanking deputies for getting the firearm and drugs off the streets. Several people praised Sheriff Chad Chronister and the deputies involved, with one writing, “Thank you, Sheriff Chad Chronister and Hillsborough County Deputies!”
Another commenter said they were especially glad the suspect was caught with both a weapon and drugs in the vehicle. Others kept their reactions short, with comments including “Great job HCSO” and thanks to law enforcement for keeping the community safe.