Suspect arrested with loaded firearm and marijuana in downtown Silver Spring

Montgomery County police arrested a suspect in downtown Silver Spring after discovering a gun, drugs and stolen license plates during a traffic stop following a suspected drug deal, according to 3rd District Commander Jason Cokinos.

Officers observed a vehicle driving through downtown Silver Spring with license plates that did not belong to the car. They then encountered another vehicle in which a suspected drug deal was taking place, Cokinos posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday evening.

Officers then conducted a traffic stop during which THC vaporizers, approximately two pounds of marijuana and a loaded handgun were located. A prohibited person illegally possessed the pistol, in this case a convicted felon, Cokinos said.

“Proactive law enforcement will remove these weapons from our streets,” Cokinos said, noting that the number of contact shootings in Silver Spring has decreased by 50 percent.

Photo: @MCPD3DCommander / X (formerly Twitter)

☑️ Bad license plates
☑️ Drug deal
☑️ Loaded weapon

= All expenses for the trip to prison paid 🚔

Attentive and proactive @mcpnews 3rd District officers observed a vehicle driving through downtown Silver Spring with license plates that did not belong to the car. This vehicle encountered… pic.twitter.com/EwpgKmqdDh

— MCPD 3D Commander (@MCPD3DCommander) September 28, 2024