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The incident occurred in Orange County around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, on I-84 in Deerpark.
According to New York State Police Trooper Steven Nevel, troopers initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Orange County resident Jaykris Vargas, age 23, of Middletown.
While interviewing Vargas, troopers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. While searching the car, they located a loaded semi-automatic handgun, Nevel said.
The vehicle was occupied by four male passengers: Paris Hinds, age 19, of Middletown, and three juveniles, all of whom were between the ages of 16 and 17.
Nevel said all occupants were arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm, both felonies.
Vargas and Hinds were arraigned in the City of Middletown Court; the three juveniles were arraigned in Orange County Youth Court.
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