SILVER SPRING, Md. — An 18-year-old is facing multiple gun and drug charges after police in Montgomery County say a drone helped lead to his arrest during a traffic stop involving a suspicious vehicle.
Key Points
- Raven 3 drone located suspicious vehicle on Easley Street on April 10
- Officers recovered a loaded handgun, fentanyl pills, and cash during a traffic stop
- Wilmer Ventura, 18, charged with multiple weapons and drug offenses
Drone spots vehicle, officers observe drug transaction
On April 10, Montgomery County Police responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in the 500 block of Easley Street. MCPD’s drone, Raven 3, arrived first and located the vehicle unoccupied. When officers arrived, they saw a handgun in plain view on the vehicle’s floor.
While monitoring the area, officers watched two individuals return to the car and conduct what appeared to be a drug transaction. The suspects then drove off and were stopped by officers a short distance away.
Teen suspect charged, held without bond
A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun, a large quantity of suspected fentanyl pills, and cash. Police arrested 18-year-old Wilmer Ventura of Silver Spring. He is charged with intent to distribute, possession of a loaded handgun on person, and multiple handgun-related offenses, including possession as a minor.
Ventura is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.