SYLACAUGA, Ala. — A stolen Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun led to the arrest of a Sylacauga man following a traffic stop Tuesday night, according to the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Task force agents conducted a traffic stop around 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 13 for speeding on Heaslett Road near McGowan’s Ferry Road, just outside Childersburg. During the investigation, agents determined that a passenger in the vehicle was sitting on a firearm.
The passenger was identified as Christopher Wayne Duke, 50. Agents confirmed the handgun had been reported stolen out of Bessemer, and Duke was taken into custody at the scene.
Duke was charged with receiving stolen property in the second degree, a Class C felony under Alabama law. If convicted, he faces a possible sentence ranging from one year and one day to 10 years in prison.
Duke was transported to the Talladega County Metro Jail, where he was held on a $7,500 bond. Jail records indicate he later posted bond and was released.
