Pair of traffic stops in Early result in arrests for multiple charges

The Early Police Department posted the following information on Facebook Tuesday morning:

On Monday, Aug. 15 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Early officers stopped a vehicle in the 300 block of Lucas for traffic violations. When the officer approached the car, he could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. After questioning the driver, officers searched the vehicle and located over 4 ounces of marijuana, a felony amount in the State of Texas. Officers also located a 45-caliber handgun, reported stolen in Abilene along with drug paraphernalia and just under $3,000 cash. The driver, Richard Stanley of Early, was charged with Possession of Marijuana-Felony, Theft of a Firearm, Unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to maintain financial responsibility and failure to signal turn.

On Friday, Aug. 12 at approximately 11:20 p.m. Early officers stopped a vehicle on Meadow Glen Drive for suspicion of DWI. The driver was interviewed and provided a field sobriety test. The driver was unable to perform the sobriety test and was placed under arrest for DWI. A search of the car revealed marijuana, paraphernalia, and a handgun. The driver, Jesse Jay Barron Vela from Lamesa, was taken to the ER for a blood test then taken to the Brown County Jail and charged with Driving while intoxicated, unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to maintain a single lane.