TERRELL, Texas — After receiving a tip from the public, the Terrell Police Department made contact with two individuals in the 300 block of Heath Street who were believed to be selling marijuana.
TERRELL, Texas — After receiving a tip from the public, the Terrell Police Department made contact with two individuals in the 300 block of Heath Street who were believed to be selling marijuana.
The contact resulted in two arrests and the seizure of marijuana, cash, and a firearm.
Terrell Police Department Captain A.D. Sansom says officers were notified of the two individuals on Heath Street at approximately 9:19 p.m. yesterday, August 13, 2017.
The responding officer could smell the odor of marijuana as he approached the car and made contact with the front passenger, identified as 20-year-old Erick Alcaraz of Terrell, Texas. Marijuana “shake,” or residue, was observed on Alcaraz’s legs.
Upon additional investigation, Alcaraz admitted to dropping a baggie of marijuana, later weighed at 1.6 grams, between his seat and the center console.
“Upon doing a lawful search of his person, the officer located $882.00 dollars in Andrade's shorts, which were underneath his pants,” stated Sansom. “All the bills were sorted in $50's, $20's, $10's, $5's, and $1's, which is common for narcotics dealers.”
Upon searching for additional narcotics, the officer located a Taurus 9mm handgun under the seat of the driver, identified as 17-year-old Jose Andrade.
Andrade, who is not legally of age to purchase a handgun, later admitted to police he had purchased the handgun “from someone on the streets” about a week ago.
Officers also located a green Crown Royal bag in the area that Alcaraz and Andrade exited their vehicle. Inside were 23 baggies of marijuana weighing 27.9 grams. A review of the officer’s in-car dash cam video revealed Andrade threw the bag as he exited the vehicle.
Andrade, after waiving his rights, admitted to police the Crown Royal bag was in his possession and he did intend to sell the marijuana, according to Sansom.
Both were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana less than two ounces. Andrade was additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Bond information was not available at the time of press.
