Colonie Police Arrest Teen With an Illegal Weapon

Once again a simple traffic stop in Colonie has led to officers discovering and confiscating an illegal handgun.

As reported by News 10, members of the Colonie Police Department, they observed 19-year old Jaquan D. Lewis, of Schenectady, operating a black 2003 Volkswagen Jetta around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

Officers say that Mr. Lewis committed a traffic violation, so they stopped him on Troy-Schenectady Road near Vly Road. Officers discovered that Mr. Lewis was driving on a suspended New York driver's license and he had a small amount of marijuana in his pocket.

A search of Mr. Lewis’s vehicle revealed that he had a .38 Smith and Wesson handgun that was loaded with six rounds. Officers also discovered that Mr. Lewis does not have a legal permit to carry a handgun in the state of New York. Police are still investigating to determine who the gun belongs to.

Jaquan D. Lewis was arrested and charged with third-degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and a traffic citation for Inadequate Lights (all misdemeanor charges). He was also charged with second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon (a felony offense). Mr. Lewis could be sentenced to 15 years in prison if he is found guilty of the felony charge.

Officers with the Colonie Police Department say that this is the 22nd illegal, loaded handgun they have recovered this year. They also advised that in just the past two weeks, they have confiscated six guns.

Having so many guns on the street is a troubling new trend for the Capital Region. As we all know, gun violence is at an all-time high. I’m wondering why so many people feel the need to drive around with guns, and where are they getting these guns from in the first place?