Two men were arrested Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15, after deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office located a stolen firearm and several identification cards belonging to other individuals during a traffic stop in Huntsville.
Deputies reported observing a gray Chevrolet Impala about 4 p.m. with no license plates parked for an extended period at Beard’s Marathon gas station in Huntsville. The occupants, later identified as Christopher J. Bannister, 18, of Convoy, and Zarik N. Deere, 19, of Belle Center, were seen tampering with the vehicle’s dashboard before driving around the back of the building and attempting to avoid detection.
When deputies stopped the vehicle a short time later along State Route 117, Bannister told them he had recently purchased the car but could not produce paperwork. Deputies said he admitted to being on probation for motor vehicle theft and failure to comply.
A search of the car revealed a stolen Canik 9mm pistol that had been disassembled and hidden in different areas of the vehicle, a loaded magazine, and a holster. Deputies also recovered multiple wallets containing identification cards, bank cards, and a Social Security card belonging to other individuals, including IDs from both Ohio and Canada. A realistic-looking BB pistol and an unassigned license plate also were found.
Bannister was charged with receiving stolen property, having weapons under disability, carrying concealed weapons, and tampering with evidence. Deere was charged with obstructing justice for allegedly helping conceal the pistol and providing false information.
The suspects were transported to the Logan County Jail. The vehicle was impounded pending further investigation, and the recovered items were placed into evidence.
