A Lakeland man’s late-night minibike ride took an unexpected turn when a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy pulled him over for multiple traffic infractions, leading to the discovery of a weapon and drugs.
According to PCSO, 46-year-old Ray Ross was riding his minibike westbound on Old Tampa Highway in Lakeland shortly before midnight on Friday, February 21st, when a deputy observed him committing several traffic violations. During the ensuing traffic stop, Ross became “irate” and initially refused to provide identification to the deputy.
After eventually complying and producing his driver’s license, Ross was observed to have a large knife tucked into his waistband. When the deputy attempted to secure the weapon, Ross resisted, stating the deputy couldn’t take his knife.
The deputy, however, successfully secured Ross in handcuffs and removed the knife, which had a 12-inch blade. As a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, Ross is prohibited from possessing such weapons.
A subsequent search also revealed marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Ross was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail, facing charges of:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Resisting an Officer
- Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Marijuana