HAMLET – Tuesday, February 27th was not a good day for one individual who chose to speed through a school zone in Hamlet at approximately 8:26 a.m. (i.e., school hours).
Deshawn Lamont Evans, 24, of Lackey Street in Hamlet, was observed by Hamlet police to be traveling through a clearly marked school zone at a rate significantly greater than the posted speed limit for that time of day.
Upon stopping the vehicle on McDonald Avenue just beyond the Hamlet Middle School, the officer detected an odor indicative of marijuana usage. Subsequent observation revealed an open container of alcohol (fortified wine) as well.
A search of the vehicle yielded the discovery of a hidden handgun which was later determined to have been stolen.
A records check confirmed that Evans’ driver license had been revoked and that he was a felon (i.e., not allowed to possess a firearm), having been convicted of felonious child abuse inflicting serious injury in Wake County in 2014.
Evans was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also issued a citation for speeding in a school zone.
It was also noted in North Carolina Department of Public Safety Records that Evans has twice violated the conditions of his probation, resulting in revocation each time.
Evans was transported to the Richmond County Jail where he is being held under a $20,000 secured bond. His trial date is set for March 8th in Richmond County District Court.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
