Montgomery County Police issued a press release today announcing that a traffic stop in Germantown on February 17 led to the discovery of a stolen semi-automatic rifle and drug paraphernalia containing methamphetamine. Last week, MCPD announced that a separate traffic stop led to the discovery of over 2,000 fentanyl pills. Traffic stops have been the topic of debate recently as Councilmember Will Jawando introduced Bill 12-23, the Safety and Traffic Equity in Policing (STEP) Act, on February 28, which will limit traffic stops that he says have resulted in racial disparities.
Per MCPD: Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Community Action Team have filed criminal charges against 28-year-old Humberto Guerra Jr. of Silver Spring and 41-year-old Freya Marla Casanova, unknown address, following a February traffic stop. On Friday, February 17, 2023, at approximately 11:25 p.m., officers observed a Toyota Camry travel eastbound on Wisteria Dr. and Great Seneca Hwy. Officers initiated a traffic stop of the Toyota for maintaining a suspended registration in the area of Middlebrook Rd. and Great Seneca Hwy.
Officers made contact with the driver, Casanova, and Guerra, a passenger in the Toyota. Officers determined that a tag pick up order had been issued by the Department of Motor Vehicle Administration for lacking MVA automobile requirements.
In accordance with departmental procedures, Casanova was instructed that the car would be towed and Guerra was released from the scene. A consensual search of Casanova’s belongings revealed drug paraphernalia containing methamphetamine, providing Officers probable cause to search the Toyota. A search of the Toyota revealed a loaded semi-automatic rifle, with a 50 round drum magazine concealed in a gym bag.
Through the investigation, officers determined that the rifle was reported stolen out of Alexandria, VA and that Guerra, who is prohibited from possessing a firearm, had possession of the rifle. Officers also determined that the drug paraphernalia belonged to Casanova. On Wednesday, Mach 1, 2023, criminal charges were filed against Guerra and Casanova.
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semi-automatic rifle (Original Image)
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