SPD officers conducted a routine traffic stop on Oct. 30, just before midnight, in the 5900 block of Financial Plaza, leading to a significant firearm seizure and the arrest of a convicted felon.

During the stop, officers made contact with the vehicle’s driver, 19-year-old Malik Moore, and his passenger, 23-year-old Shakia Tucker. Both individuals displayed suspicious behavior, and officers detected the presence of narcotics, prompting officers to further investigate. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a handgun modified to function as a fully automatic weapon. Additional investigation revealed that Moore had a prior felony conviction for a rape offense in 2023.

As a result, Moore was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and both Moore and Tucker were charged with possession of the illegal, fully automatic weapon.

Chief Wayne Smith emphasized the SPD’s commitment to community safety: “Our promise to the community is to continue to remove dangerous firearms from those who should not possess them. Each firearm seized is one less weapon that could be used in violent crimes.” 

The SPD will ensure that all firearms seized are securely processed and, when appropriate, destroyed to prevent future violence in the community.