SPD officers conducted a traffic stop on Thursday, Dec. 26, at around 12:57am at the intersection of Market St. and Texas St. that led to multiple arrests and the recovery of a stolen firearm.

The incident began when officers observed a vehicle making several traffic violations, including merging across two lanes of travel after a green light and making an improper left turn into an alley from the second lane. The vehicle nearly collided with a police unit, prompting officers to activate their emergency lights to conduct the stop.

Officers made contact with the driver, identified as D’nique Walker, and his passenger, identified as Kameron Durden. For officer safety, both individuals were patted down for weapons. During the pat-down, officers felt a bag in Durden’s hoodie pocket which was found to be narcotics. Both Walker and Durden were detained in the police vehicle while officers searched the suspect vehicle.

The search revealed a handgun under the driver’s seat and a small bag of marijuana in the driver’s door. Further investigation determined that the handgun was reported stolen from the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, Durden was found to have an active warrant out of East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office for Failure to Appear in court on two counts of domestic abuse battery, issued on Feb. 16, 2024.

Both suspects received multiple charges. Walker is facing charges of Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Schedule I Narcotics (marijuana), Stopping in a Crosswalk, Improper Turn, and License Plate Light Violation. Durden is facing charges of Fugitive Warrant (East Baton Rouge Parish) and Possession of Schedule I Narcotics (marijuana).