MARYLAND — A Baltimore man was arrested Wednesday night after a traffic stop in Frederick County led to the discovery of drugs and a stolen handgun inside his vehicle.
According to authorities, Frederick County officers conducted a traffic stop around 9 p.m. on March 4 after a vehicle failed to maintain its lane and had an equipment violation. The vehicle was traveling westbound on Interstate 70 near New Market.
Police identified the driver as 35-year-old John Tyrell Gross of Baltimore.
During the stop, officers noticed what appeared to be a disguised soda can container, which authorities said is commonly used to conceal narcotics. A K-9 unit was called to the scene and alerted to the odor of narcotics, prompting officers to search the vehicle.
During the search, officers recovered approximately 64.6 grams of suspected fentanyl, about 18.4 grams of suspected cocaine, and multiple pills believed to be controlled dangerous substances. Police also seized drug packaging materials, a digital scale, and a KAHR Model P380 handgun that was loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine.
Authorities said the firearm had been reported stolen from Virginia. Officials also noted that Gross was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior arrests.
Gross was taken into custody and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, possession of a large amount of controlled dangerous substances, firearm offenses related to drug trafficking, possession of a stolen firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, handgun violations involving a vehicle, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Frederick County authorities at 301-600-1046 or submit a tip through the department’s tip line at 301-600-4131.
