Taunton traffic stop leads to weapons and drug charges

Massachusetts State Police arrested two men on a variety of weapons and drug charges Sunday evening in Taunton.

Juhkwon Thomas, of Dorchester, and Reginald Jenkins, of Taunton, were passengers in an Audi stopped by state police on Route 138 in Taunton for motor vehicle violations, the Massachusetts State Police reported, adding that a subsequent investigation led to officers uncovering a cache of illegal items.

Jenkins was allegedly carrying brass knuckles, which led to a weapons charge, but Thomas received the bulk of the charges because police found several suspicious substances and weapons on him, according to the state police.

Bags believed to contain heroin and crack cocaine led to drug charges including possession and distribution. Thomas also allegedly had a .380 handgun, ammunition and a knife in a sheath hanging around his neck, the state police added; a check of the firearm revealed it had been reported stolen in Georgia. The gun drew charges including unlawful firearm and ammunition possession and improper firearm storage.

Both men were placed under arrest, and the driver, who was found to be in possession of Suboxone, was issued a summons, the state police added.

Jenkins and Thomas were each held on $2500 bail, pending arraignment on Monday in Taunton District Court.