Patrol’s Effective Traffic Enforcement Yields Illegal Weapon Arrests

OHIO – Through effective traffic enforcement the Ohio State Highway Patrol is significantly impacting the criminal element on our public roadways and in our communities. By taking extra time during each traffic stop, and paying close attention to possible indicators of criminal activity, what on the surface may appear to be a rather routine traffic stop can turn into something much more significant.

In 2013, troopers made 550 arrests for possession of illegal weapons. This represents a 39 percent increase when compared to 2012. Illegal weapon arrests have risen each of the last five years, climbing 75 percent over this period.

“Every day our troopers are out on the roadways taking felons out of your communities,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “By being observant and spotting criminal indicators – drugs, illegal weapons and dangerous drivers are removed from the roadways.”

The Patrol’s illegal weapon arrests occurred in 75 of Ohio’s 88 counties in 2013. These arrests happened most frequently in Cuyahoga (49), Franklin (34), Warren (31), Lucas (20) and Summit (20) counties. These five counties accounted for 28 percent of all the Patrol’s illegal weapons arrests.

Additionally, in 36 percent of the Patrol’s illegal weapon arrests in 2013, the offender was also charged with OVI. In 31 percent of the weapons arrests the offender was also charged with a drug offense.

Motorists are reminded that public participation is critical to highway safety. Call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.

For a complete statistical analysis please visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/Weapons_Bulletin_2014.pdf