2 Arrested on Drug Charges in Palm Coast Traffic Stop

  The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men after a traffic stop near Palm Coast’s K Section led to the discovery of illegal drugs and a stolen gun, the FCSO announced Wednesday. 22-year-old Daquan Jackson and 21-year-old Damarcus Brown were each booked on drug possession charges. Both are residents of Bradford County. According to the FCSO’s description of the incident, the vehicle the pair were riding in was driving north on US-1 between late Monday evening and early Tuesday morning. A deputy noticed them driving with their high beams on, and subsequently pulled them over. The deputy reportedly noticed the smell of marijuana, and observed smoke coming from inside the vehicle. Jackson was said to have been seen putting out his joint in the car’s ash tray, before apologizing and saying that he had a medical marijuana card. The deputy, however, concluded that Jackson and Brown were exhibiting slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Jackson was asked to undergo field sobriety tests on the scene. He complied, but did not pass them. At this point he was placed under arrest, charged with the misdemeanor of driving under the influence. A search was conducted on the vehicle after it was concluded that the marijuana was not in its original dispensary container. Upon requesting that Brown exit the vehicle so a search could be conducted, Brown reportedly handed over a black back. Inside, there was said to be plastic bags, two scales, and one small bag containing marijuana. A search was then conducted, yielding the discovery of a handgun with its serial number removed, more marijuana in a plastic cup, and a pickle jar filled with marijuana inside a backpack. The gun was later determined to have been stolen. In addition to his misdemeanor DUI charge, Daquan Jackson was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, usage of a firearm during a felony, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, removal of a serial number from a firearm, and violation of probation. He was booked into the county jail early Tuesday morning without bond, and as of Wednesday afternoon he remains in custody. Damarcus Brown was charged only with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. He was also booked into jail early Tuesday morning, and he also remains in custody as of Wednesday afternoon. His bond was set at $5,000. The men’s vehicle was seized for forfeiture due to having allegedly been used while multiple felonies were committed. “This is yet another example of how proactive policing and a simple traffic stop can lead to illegal drugs and a stolen firearm being taken off our streets,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly. “Had these men been sober, they may have gotten away with a simple citation, but now they are facing felonies. Make no mistake, our deputies will continue to aggressively go after traveling criminals who bring drugs and guns into Flagler County.”