Gainesville, FL – A routine traffic stop in Gainesville early Thursday morning led to the arrest of a convicted felon after deputies say firearms and cocaine were discovered inside his vehicle.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the stop occurred during the early morning hours of Thursday, December 18, near the Circle K on SW 20th Avenue, when Deputy Sheriff C. Jordan pulled over an orange SUV for a traffic infraction.
Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as 57-year-old Jimmie Grimes. While Grimes was retrieving requested documents from inside the vehicle, a deputy allegedly observed a firearm in plain view inside the car, authorities said.
A records check later confirmed that Grimes is a convicted felon who had previously served time for narcotics-related offenses, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said Grimes then told deputies he had cocaine in his pocket. A probable cause search of his person allegedly revealed a pill bottle containing baggies and cocaine. Deputies subsequently conducted a search of the vehicle, where two firearms were allegedly found.
Grimes was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Cocaine, according to jail records.
No injuries were reported during the stop, and authorities did not say whether additional charges may be filed. The case remains under investigation.
Residents in the Gainesville area are reminded that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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