Dorchester County, SC – A traffic stop late Friday led to the arrest of an undocumented Mexican national after deputies discovered a cache of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics in his vehicle.
According to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to assist the South Carolina Highway Patrol with a vehicle stopped for traveling 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit near 10105 Dorchester Road. The driver, identified as Joaquin Lopez-Rubio, reportedly began acting suspiciously when approached by law enforcement.
Deputies observed a pistol magazine in plain view on the passenger seat and instructed Lopez-Rubio to exit the vehicle. He was detained for reckless driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Lopez-Rubio is in the United States illegally. A search of the vehicle uncovered three clear plastic bags containing 8.6 gross grams of cocaine, ten firearms, multiple loaded magazines, and various rounds of ammunition.
Lopez-Rubio faces several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, giving false information to law enforcement, driving without a license, speeding more than 25 miles per hour over the limit, and presenting a false identification card.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Lopez-Rubio, pending federal review.
Sheriff Sam Richardson said in a statement that the arrest “demonstrates the invaluable collaboration between our office and our law enforcement partners.” He added, “With this suspect in custody, the streets of Dorchester County are safer.”
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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