Sumter, South Carolina – A routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a major weapons arrest after a deputy discovered a handgun modified to function as a machine gun, raising serious safety concerns in the area.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy initiated a stop on Pearson Road near U.S. 15 South after spotting a vehicle with faulty equipment. During the stop, the driver—identified as 20-year-old Tyquell Gooden of Pinewood—was found to be in possession of marijuana, prompting a probable cause search.
Deputies say the search led to the discovery of a semi-automatic handgun that had been illegally modified to operate as a machine gun. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
Gooden was charged in connection with the weapon and later released on bond. Authorities have not released additional details about the firearm modification or potential federal involvement.
The incident remains under investigation, and officials say further charges could be possible as the case develops.
