Nash County deputies arrest Rocky Mount man after finding stolen gun, suspected drugs

WatchNash County deputies arrest Rocky Mount man after finding stolen gun, suspected drugsby News 12 Staff

Nash County Sheriff's OfficeComment on this story0CommentShare storySharetopics: Nash CountyRocky MountTraffic stopStolen firearmMDMAFelon in possessionDeputiesDetention CenterROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — A Rocky Mount man is facing multiple felony charges after Nash County deputies say they found a stolen handgun and suspected MDMA during a traffic stop.

The Nash County Sheriff’s Office says its Community Action Team and Narcotics Division were patrolling near North U.S. 301 and Jeffreys Road on October 1 after receiving community complaints about suspected drug and criminal activity.

Deputies say they saw a silver passenger car fail to stop at a stop sign before turning onto North Church Street toward Airport Road.

During the traffic stop, deputies say passenger Charles Avent Jr. tried to run away but was quickly detained.

Investigators say deputies felt a firearm near Avent’s waistband while taking him into custody. A search of Avent and his clothing allegedly found a Taurus 9mm handgun and a bag containing suspected MDMA pills.

A records check showed the handgun had been reported stolen in Rocky Mount, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies say Avent is a convicted felon and is prohibited from having a firearm.

A K-9 named Goose alerted deputies to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle, but the sheriff’s office says no contraband was found in the car or on the driver.

Deputies also served Avent with outstanding warrants for habitual felon and communicating threats.

Avent is being held without bond at the Nash County Detention Center.