A Texas man was arrested for having a loaded firearm as a convicted felon when stopped for traffic violations on Interstate 75.
A trooper initiated a traffic stop on 47-year-old James Wilbon for multiple traffic violations along northbound I-75 south of County Road 48 around 12:50 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
After approaching Wilbon, the trooper explained the reasons for the stop. He offered Wilbon the opportunity to step out of the vehicle while he finished the paperwork for the traffic stop. Wilbon stated he did not want to get out, and the trooper told him multiple times that he needed to step out of the vehicle, the report said.
Wilbon still refused but eventually got out with assistance. Another unit, including a K-9, arrived on scene as backup and checked around the outside of the vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the vehicle, which led to a search, the report said.
The trooper found a mattress on the folded down rear passenger seat. Under it was a concealed firearm loaded with a round in the chamber. It was not holstered but was accessible from the driver’s seat. There was a total of 31 rounds in the firearm, the report said.
A check of Wilbon’s criminal history revealed he was a Texas convicted felon, the report said.
Wilbon was subsequently arrested on charges of possession of weapon or ammo by other state delinquent adult felony and resist officer (obstructing without violence). He was transported to Sumter County Jail to be held without bond.