Driver Faces Weapons Charge Following Traffic Stop in Rye

RYE, NY – A Connecticut man is facing a serious weapons charge after New York State Police found a loaded handgun in his car.

Driver Kenneth Stokes Jr. was pulled over for “multiple vehicle and traffic violations,” according to troopers. The traffic stop occurred on April 9, just before midnight on I-287 in the Town of Rye. A subsequent search of the Stratford resident’s car turned up a loaded Springfield XDS 45 ACP handgun that Stokes was not licensed to carry in the state of New York.

The 25-year-old was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree (possession of a loaded firearm other than in a person’s home/business) which is a Class C Felony. He was arraigned in Rye Court and later released on his own recognizance.

Stokes is scheduled to again appear in front of a Town of Rye Court judge on April 21.