In a routine traffic stop that quickly escalated, Baton Rouge police officers made a significant arrest involving suspected drug dealing and firearms possession. On June 28th, patrol officers observed a Black sedan with illegal tint traveling north on North Foster Drive. What started as a traffic violation turned into a more serious situation when officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Larry Paul of Baton Rouge, was asked to step out of the car. Upon doing so, officers discovered a clear bag of suspected marijuana on the driver’s seat. A further search of Paul yielded two smaller bags of marijuana found in his pocket, leading to his immediate arrest.
Meanwhile, the passenger, Desmond Green, was instructed to exit the vehicle as well. During this process, officers spotted a firearm in plain sight on the passenger’s seat, prompting Green's swift detainment.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered more troubling evidence: two handguns and a significant stash of marijuana weighing 113 grams concealed under the hood in a large plastic bag. According to police reports, Paul claimed ownership of both the drugs and the firearms found in the vehicle.
As a result of the incident, Larry Paul faces multiple charges, including illegal possession of stolen firearms, three counts of illegal firearm possession in conjunction with a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and various firearms-related charges. These include possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm by an individual previously convicted of domestic abuse battery.
The arrest underscores the diligent efforts of law enforcement in curbing drug-related activities and ensuring public safety on Baton Rouge's streets. The Baton Rouge Police Department continues to emphasize the importance of traffic enforcement as a critical component in apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities, thereby contributing to community security and well-being.