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ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO GUN CHARGES
MICHIGAN CITY, LAPORTE COUNTY--
On 5/6/2017 at approximately 1:15 a.m., Trooper Justin Heflin was on patrol in the Michigan City area. Trooper Heflin observed a blue Chrysler traveling 45 m.ph. on a designated 30 m.p.h. area on Woodland Ave. After observing additional traffic violations, a traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle in the area of Coolspring Ave. During the traffic stop investigation, Trooper Heflin detected the strong odor of a substance believed to be marijuana coming from the inside of the vehicle. While removing the occupants from the vehicle in order to facilitate a search of the vehicle, a weapon was discovered on the person of one of the rear passengers. This weapon was a silver Smith & Wesson .38 revolver. The serial numbers on the revolver had been damaged in an attempt to remove them. A second weapon was also located in the subjects pants. This second weapon was a Smith & Wesson .40 semi-automatic pistol. This weapon had been reported stolen through the Michigan City Police Department. This suspect was identified as Deonte Miller, 20, Michigan City. Miller was charged with Possession of a Firearm No Permit and Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Identification, both level 5 Felonies. Mr. Miller was also charged with Minor Consumption of Alcohol and Possession of Marijuana, both Misdemeanors. A second back seat passenger, Mario Ward, 20 of Michigan City, was also arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana. Both suspects were transported to the LaPorte County Jail for booking. The driver of the vehicle, Denquise Hart, 26 of Michigan City, was cited for Driving While Suspended; however he was not incarcerated.
Assisting Officers: Trooper Thomas Maymi
*All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.*
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