Traffic Stop Identifies Another Felon With A Firearm
Yesterday morning (06/14) at approximately 5:17 AM, Deputy Jet Balenia was traveling westbound in the 6800 west block of US 30. His dash mounted radar unit measured the speed of an eastbound US 30 passenger vehicle at 96 miles per hour. Deputy Balenia conducted a U-turn and caught up to the vehicle in the 3000 west block. He initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 2200 west block of US 30.
The driver was identified as Jerrell A. COLEMAN (44 YOA) of Marietta, Georgia. As the traffic stop progressed, a loaded firearm was located within the vehicle. COLEMAN was taken into custody.
COLEMAN was transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ). He was arrested for Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 Felony.
COLEMAN remains housed in the LCJ and is being held on a $20,005.00 cash-only bond through La Porte County Circuit Court.
Captain Derek J. Allen stated, “Since May 27th, deputies have removed five handguns from La Porte County roadways because of self-initiated traffic enforcement. The removal of these firearms and subsequent arrests greatly increases the safety of the general public. Throughout the summer, deputies will be very active and continue to seek out firearms from unlawful subjects,” added Captain Allen.
Assisting: Deputy Austin Howell, Deputy Michael Sweet, Deputy Scott Lanoue
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
