A YCSO traffic stop on I-40 near Ash Fork resulted in the arrest of 3-Texas residents on weapons and drug charges. Spokesman Dwight D’Evleyn says the K9 Deputy made contact with 19-year old Andrew Aldridge, 18-year old Baily Byron and 25-year old Deven Hamilton. All denied that there were guns and drugs in the vehicle. In addition the vehicle smelled like marijuana. CUT #48..Q:..the driver’s seat..:23 (A K9 deputy searched the vehicle for the source of the odor and found 2 rifles, both .223 caliber, that were in bags in the trunk. With the rifles were 2 fully loaded 60 round drum style magazines, a fully loaded 40 round magazine, a pair of latex gloves and a brass catcher. One of the rifles had a shorter barrel, likely in violation of federal law. The K9 deputy also located a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the pocket behind the driver’s seat.) D’Evelyn says investigation continues, but preliminary information indicates the suspects were involved in drug sales and the firearms were associated with a criminal operation.
