BUNNELL, FL – On Wednesday morning, October 6, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) observed a speeding vehicle that was traveling south on Belle Terre Parkway. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Hosea Hampton (DOB: 8/4/1998), was found to be a convicted felon from North Carolina driving a stolen vehicle also from North Carolina.
An FCSO deputy observed a BMW bearing a South Carolina tag driving 65 miles per hour (MPH) in a 45 MPH zone. FCSO deputies caught up to the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at Belle Terre Parkway and Pine Grove Drive.
Deputies made contact with the driver of the vehicle who identified himself as Braxton Hampton. While deputies were speaking with “Braxton,” he appeared to be extremely nervous and a strong smell of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle. Upon questioning, Hampton advised he had marijuana on him in his underwear. A total of 14.4 grams of marijuana was located and a firearm was found under the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
Deputies noticed an identification card between Hampton’s cell phone and the phone case and determined the driver had given a false name. The driver was then identified as Hosea Hampton (DOB: 8/4/1998).
When deputies checked the windshield Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle through law enforcement databases the VIN was registered to a BMW M5 in Maryland that was valid. However, when the VIN on the door was checked in the same databases it was determined the car was stolen from Wilmington, North Carolina, on August 19, 2021, from a BMW dealership in Wilmington, N.C.
Hampton has been arrested previously in North Carolina for Driving While License is Suspended, Fleeing and Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
“A felon with a stolen vehicle in possession of a firearm is a recipe for disaster,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Another criminal made the mistake of coming into Flagler County, getting caught and then being taken to the Green Roof Inn. I don’t think this was the Florida vacation he was hoping for.”
Hosea Hampton was arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He was arrested for Possession of a Firearm or Ammo by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana, False Name or ID Given to Law Enforcement Officers, and