A Weldon man faces a revoked registration charge and an outstanding communicating threats warrant while a Rocky Mount woman was cited for carrying a concealed weapon following a stop Tuesday.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Shane Guyant said PACE Officer J. Conrad was conducting a proactive patrol when he encountered a vehicle with a revoked plate.

The driver, 26-year-old Prentis Anderson Jr., was driving on a revoked license and was wanted for a Halifax County charge of communicating threats.

During the encounter Conrad observed an extended magazine in plain view. 

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Upon a probable cause search, Conrad seized a Smith & Wesson SD9 from the glovebox.  

Conrad cited Shaniqwa Deniese Shamea Jones, 32, for possession of a concealed weapon. The firearm and the magazines contained 36 rounds of ammunition. 

Anderson was released on a $500 bond and has an October 31 court date. Jones has a December 29 court date.

“I am proud of PACE Officer Conrad for being attentive to his surroundings and understanding the dangers that exist in this job,” Guyant said. “Noticing a firearm magazine may not mean much to a layperson, but in law enforcement, you deduce that a magazine equals a firearm.  This is using common sense and relying on training.”

In North Carolina it is illegal to conceal a firearm without a concealed weapons permit. 

Under the law conceal means hidden or unseeable.  “People have many opinions regarding firearms possession. We as police officers definitely respect the Second Amendment and in no way want to diminish its importance,” the chief said. “However, we want to go home to our families each day.  That is our main goal every day we come to work.  If someone possesses a concealed weapon, we must take this seriously for our safety.”

Guyant said people should feel free to possess firearms legally. “Just don’t conceal them.  When an officer approaches you, the firearm should be in plain view and you should immediately notify the officer that you have the firearm and that it is in plain view.  If you put a firearm in a glove box, console, or trunk area, make sure these areas are locked.”  

Said the chief: “By all means just communicate with the officer so that there is no confusion. We cannot read minds.  Communicating with us that you have a firearm is not only appreciated and smart, but it will prevent any human accidents.”