Macon, Georgia – A 44-year-old man was arrested after deputies found a rifle inside his vehicle on a college campus Thursday, prompting multiple charges including possession of a firearm in a school safety zone.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Patrol Division Deputy John Kile encountered the man during a traffic stop at Wesleyan College. Authorities said campus police initially stopped the vehicle around 4:47 a.m.
Deputies reported the vehicle was allegedly parked on campus with what appeared to be a loaded AR-15 style rifle visible in plain view in the front passenger seat. According to the sheriff’s office, the man was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
The suspect was transported to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center and charged with carrying an illegal firearm, possession of an AR-15 rifle in a school safety zone, possession of marijuana within a school safety zone, driving on a suspended license, driving with suspended vehicle registration, and having no vehicle insurance.
The Georgia State Patrol also responded to assist, authorities said.
Officials have not released additional details about why the vehicle was on campus at the time of the stop. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the sheriff’s office.
The arrest may raise concerns for students and early-morning campus commuters following the discovery of the weapon.
Authorities have not announced a court date.
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