Stolen handgun recovered in traffic stop

OCALA -- A car stopped by a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy in a convenience store parking for illegal tint late Friday night, led to the arrest of two men for drug possession and the recovery of a handgun stolen from a gun store back in June.

Detective Donald Buie stopped the 1999 four-door Buick at the Kangaroo gas station at the 4900 block of N.E. Jacksonville Road.

While talking with Ezekial M. Tuggerson, 21, and Antoine Lamar Whitter, 26, about the traffic stop. Buie noticed a plastic bag with what appeared to be powered cocaine on the front passenger side floorboard next to Tuggerson.

Both men were asked to exit the vehicle, and the detective found a .40-caliber Taurus semi-automatic firearm under the passenger’s seat where Tuggerson was sitting.

Tuggerson was charged with grand theft of a firearm, possession of cocaine and marijuana less than 20 grams, and possession of MDMA. Whitter was charged with possession of cocaine.

The gun found was a part of 18 semi-automatic handguns -- most of which were .40-caliber, 9mm and .45-caliber – stolen from BullsEye Sports at 1317 N. Magnolia Ave. June 21.

Three teens were arrested for the incident, and several handguns have so far been recovered.