By TEREASA NIMS
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE — When police pulled a loaded .25-calibre semi-automatic handgun and magazine from the pocket of a Detroit man, he swore he found it at a Detroit gas station.
Kenneth J. Stevenson, 33, remains jailed on a $3,500/10 percent bond after his pre-trial hearing in the 24th District Court last week.
The officer said he saw Stevenson pass him at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated a traffic stop on Outer Drive near Snow Road in Allen Park.
When the officer walked up to Stevenson’s window, he reported the suspect had slurred speech and a strong odor of intoxicants. When the Detroit man got out of the vehicle, the officer said Stevenson was unsteady and had glossy eyes.
When asked what he had to drink, Stevenson reportedly said two shots and half a beer two hours earlier.
Upon preparing to search the vehicle, the officer asked Stevenson if there was anything in the vehicle that could hurt police. Stevenson allegedly told the officer he had a gun in his front pocket with one bullet in the chamber and a loaded magazine.
The officer quickly secured the items and handcuffed Stevenson.
When Stevenson arrived at the police station, he refused a breath test so his blood was drawn to measure his blood alcohol level. Police did not release the level.
He was charged with operating while intoxicated, carrying a concealed weapon and two counts of felony firearm.
Stevenson is expected in Wayne County Circuit Court in July.
(Tereasa Nims can be reached at [email protected])