A Wednesday morning traffic stop in Roanoke Rapids yielded a stolen firearm and resulted in the arrest of a Roanoke Rapids area man, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Deputy Wes Tripp said in a press release at approximately 4:30 a.m. Deputy C. E. Carroll conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Hinson Street and Branch Avenue.

Carroll requested canine assistance from Roanoke Rapids Police Department Officer Scott Blythe and his dog Zeusa.

Zeusa alerted positive for narcotics in the vehicle but all that was found was tobacco scattered on the floorboard.

The officers, however, did find a .32-caliber automatic pistol in the map pocket on the rear of the driver’s seat that was reported stolen by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

Edward Desian Mitchell, 22, of Aurelian Springs Road, was charged with possession of a stolen firearm and carrying a concealed weapon.

He was jailed on $5,000 and has a December 19 court date.