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Three arrested, marijuana, loaded handgun found during traffic stop

Tribune staff report

Three suspected felons were arrested Monday afternoon during a traffic stop in South Lake Tahoe in which police found a loaded handgun and close to 30 grams of methamphetamine.

South Lake Tahoe police officer Travis Cabral stopped a car on Pioneer Trail about 4 p.m. after it had reportedly been seen driving on the wrong side of the road. The driver, Brian Morris, 30, of Sacramento, said he didn’t have identification and provided a false birth date when Cabral checked his license, police said. Cabral reportedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which also contained passengers Jeremy Watkins, 29, and Michaelann Campbell, 43, both from Sacramento. Morris grew increasingly nervous, according to police, and officers Jake Herminhaus and Matt Marrison arrived for backup with K-9 Quatro.

Due to the circumstances, all three suspects were instructed to keep their hands in view, but Morris dropped his hands out of view and began reaching under his seat, police said. Cabral drew his handgun and ordered Morris to show his hands, but he reportedly refused and continued to reach under his seat. Herminghaus also drew his weapon as Morrison opened the front passenger door and showed the men the police dog. Morris then complied and brought his hands back into view, police said.



A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun and 27.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine under Morris’ seat, as well as 5.2 grams of marijuana under the driver’s seat and the center console, according to a Monday statement from the city.

Morris was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance with a loaded firearm, possessing a firearm with a prior violent offense, being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, having a concealed weapon inside a vehicle, transporting a controlled substance, driving under the influence, providing false information to a peace officer, resisting arrest and conspiracy to commit a felony.



Watkins and Campbell were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a felony and transporting a controlled substance.

All three remained in custody at El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe Tuesday afternoon. It is unknown if they have attorneys.


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