A Washington man is facing gun charges after a traffic stop on Monday on I-80 in Seward County resulted in the the seizure of several illegal firearms. The Seward County Sheriff’s office says a Homeland Security Deputy initiated the stop due to a driving violation at approximately 10:15 am, just west of Milford on a white Dodge Caravan.
Throughout the traffic stop, the deputy became suspicious that the driver and male passenger were involved in criminal activity. It provided enough cause for the deputy to request a K9 to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle. The K9 gave a positive indication to illegal narcotic odors from inside the vehicle.
During the search, deputies discovered a small amount of marijuana and six M-4 assault rifles. The serial numbers on all six rifles had been removed with a grinder. A subsequent investigation revealed that the passenger, who claimed the guns, is a convicted felon. Subsequent investigation also revealed ties to a motorcycle gang in Washington State. The passenger, 31 year old Montray Patton, was arrested for Possession of a Defaced Firearm and Possession of a Firearm While Committing a Felony.
The driver received a warning for the traffic violation and released from the scene. ATF will continue the investigation.