Loaded Gun, Drugs Found During Traffic Stop, Sarasota Deputies Say

A traffic stop on North Washington Boulevard in Sarasota resulted in the discovery of a loaded weapon and drugs and three arrests, authorities said Thursday.

Deputies stopped a silver pickup truck that ran a stop sign as it left the parking lot of Kay's Lounge, 4034 N. Washington Blvd., following "a minor disturbance," Sarasota County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Wendy Rose said in a media release.

"Before the vehicle pulled over, deputies saw two men in the bed of the truck take items out of their pockets and place them under a tool box behind them," Rose said.

When the passengers got out of the truck, deputies said they found two bags and a loaded .22 caliber revolver where the men had been sitting. One bag contained marijuana, and the other held six small baggies of cocaine individually packaged for sale, Rose said.

Charles Johnson, 26, of Bradenton, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of marijuana. 

Bernard Washington, 21, of Sarasota, is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell and possession of marijuana.

The driver, 19-year-old Phillip Richardson, was driving with a suspended license, deputies said.