A call about a suspicious vehicle in the Lincoln Heights community today led to the arrest of a validated gang member and the seizure of marijuana and cash.
The call, according to a statement from Lieutenant Anzell Harris of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office, came in just after 11 a.m.
Deputy C. Boden, a canine handler, responded to the call on Matthews Street.
Boden located the vehicle and identified the man inside as Keheed Cornelious Hawkins, 22, of Deer Run Drive.
Boden could allegedly smell marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and Hawkins reportedly admitted to smoking, Harris said.
When Hawkins was asked to step out of the vehicle, he refused. Boden requested assistance and Agent S.G. Page arrived.
Hawkins then agreed to step out but kicked the door shut, locking the vehicle. Page reportedly could see a digital scale and marijuana in plain view and applied for a search warrant for the blue Acura, which was granted.
With further assistance from Sergeant Randy Keeton, Corporal D. Radford and Agent D.C. Dickens, 7.7 grams of marijuana was seized from the vehicle, along with a digital scale and white powdered residue.
The officers also seized a loaded Colt 45 handgun, which came back as stolen from Warren County, and approximately $7,530 in cash.
The officers further learned that the state Department of Public Safety indicated Hawkins is a member of the United Blood Nation and has a past history of breaking, entering, larceny and possession of stolen goods.
Hawkins, who was jailed on $10,000 secured bond and has a December 4 court date, faces charges of possession of a stolen weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possess marijuana up to a half ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance and resisting a public officer.
Harris said in the statement, “I commend the citizen for making that phone call,” and encouraged the public to call with any drug violation or tip.
They may do so by calling 252-583-1991 or the narcotics division at 252-583-2282.
