New York State Police troopers conducted a traffic stop of the 1981 van, driven by Social Circle, Georgia resident Jonathan Rozier, 23, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Sunday afternoon on the parkway in Pleasant Valley, for an equipment violation.
During the stop, troopers initially determined that Rozier was in possession of 5.8 grams of marijuana, prompting further investigation.
Troopers then determined that the passenger, Sugar Hill, Georgia. resident Austin Liddell, 21, was in possession of a CMMG 7.62x39 mm rifle, a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun, a Ranger .22 rifle, a Glock (model 20) 10 mm semi-automatic handgun, and a switchblade knife, all illegal.
Both men were arrested at the scene. Liddell was charged with felony counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, an unclassified environmental law misdemeanor. Rozier was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Following arraignment, Rozier was released on his own recognizance and Liddell was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond. Both are due back in Pleasant Valley Court later this month to answer the charges.
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