Tampa Republic

Tampa Police Officers arrested two individuals on gun and narcotics charges following a traffic stop. The officers discovered drugs and two firearms in the vehicle, one of which had been illegally converted into a fully automatic machine gun. Both the driver and passenger were subsequently taken into custody.

On May 18th, 2024, just before 10:30 pm, officers noticed a 2011 black Infiniti in the vicinity of N 34th St and E MLK Blvd. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Demetris B. Riggins (born on August 17, 2004), maneuvered through a parking lot to evade traffic at the intersection of N 29th St and E MLK Blvd. After detecting a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car during the traffic stop, officers initiated a narcotics investigation.

During their probe, officers found an empty holster in Riggins' waistband and a Glock 29 10mm handgun with a loaded magazine and chambered round inside the vehicle. This firearm was equipped with a "switch," illegally transforming it into a fully automatic machine gun. A subsequent search of the vehicle unveiled varying quantities of fentanyl (10.9 grams), marijuana (26.1 grams), and marijuana wax (1.3 grams).

An occupant in the vehicle, James Vickers (born on April 5, 2006), aged 18 years old, was found to be carrying a Glock .40 caliber handgun.

Both Riggins and Vickers are below the legal age for carrying concealed firearms.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated that "Our officers are trained to be observant and address illegal activity, especially before it can escalate into violence." He further added that this incident demonstrated how proactive policing could make Tampa safer by removing dangerous weapons and drugs from circulation.

Riggins faced charges including Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of an Operable Machine Gun, Armed Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Cannabis (more than 20 grams), and Possession of Cannabis Sativa Resin.

Vickers was charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm.

Both suspects were transported to Orient Road Jail.