Traffic stop on I-87 leads to seizure of cocaine and ghost gun in major felony bust
Plattekill, NY – A routine traffic stop on the New York State Thruway turned into a major drug and weapons bust Monday morning when troopers arrested two Amsterdam residents after discovering cocaine, a “ghost gun,” and other narcotics in their vehicle.
At approximately 11:40 a.m. on August 25, members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) observed a 2008 Jeep violating New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law while traveling on Interstate 87 in the Town of Plattekill. During the stop, troopers identified the driver as Jessiah J. Haynes, 25, and the passenger as Ashley L. Guilder, 31.
Troopers determined that Haynes was operating the vehicle on a suspended license. A State Police K9 named Kell was deployed and gave a positive alert for narcotics. A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 149 grams of cocaine and a loaded Polymer 80 9mm semi-automatic “ghost gun” — an untraceable firearm lacking a serial number.
Guilder was also found to be carrying 0.4 grams of crack cocaine and 13.2 grams of suboxone.
Both suspects were arrested without incident and transported to the State Police Thruway barracks in Newburgh for processing. They face a combined list of serious felony charges, including second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and multiple counts of weapons possession.
Haynes and Guilder were arraigned in Ulster County and remanded to jail without bail. Authorities confirmed the investigation remains active and additional charges may follow.
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Key Points
- Troopers seized 149 grams of cocaine and an untraceable ghost gun during a traffic stop on I-87 in Plattekill
- Jessiah Haynes and Ashley Guilder of Amsterdam, NY, were arrested and face multiple felony charges
- Both suspects were remanded to Ulster County Jail without bail following arraignment