RICHMOND, Ind. — A traffic violation has led to a felony gun-related charge against a Richmond man.
Timothy A. Barnett, 34, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison.
According to an affidavit, Barnett on May 4 was stopped by Richmond police along North 28th Street while driving a pickup truck pulling a trailer that had non-functioning lights.
After a police K-9 indicated there were controlled substances in the pickup truck, a search was conducted, and officers found a 9mm handgun and a bag containing a “rock-like substance that appeared to be methamphetamine.”
Barnett maintained he knew nothing about the alleged controlled substance, but said he was familiar with the handgun, which he said belonged to his girlfriend.
More: Richmond man accused of trying to disarm police officers
The Richmond man is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal record, which includes convictions for burglary and escape.
Barnet was released from the Wayne County jail, apparently after posting a $17,500 bond. An initial hearing in his case is set for June 13 in Wayne Superior Court 2.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Traffic violation leads to firearm charge against Richmond man