The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
20-year-old Michael Phillips is a pool guard who resides in St. Petersburg.
Just before 9:30 pm on March 6, Phillips was reportedly the passenger in a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Kyleigh Bartley. The car in which the pair were traveling was allegedly stolen.
A Sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle and performed a traffic stop.
Bartley and Phillips were identified, and it was purported that the vehicle they were in was the Chevy Equinox the authorities were seeking in the theft investigation.
While being detained, a deputy patted down Phillips.
When the officer reached the man’s pelvis region, he reportedly felt a hard bulge.
According to the arrest report, Phillips allegedly tried to explain to the deputy that the solid object was simply his “dick.”
Upon further inspection, the deputy reportedly learned that the rigidity was a Glock 23. The firearm did not have a bullet in the chamber, but it allegedly had a clip containing 22 rounds. Phillips was also reportedly holding 23 additional rounds in a 30-round clip.
The man reportedly waived his Miranda rights and told the authorities that he was gifted the firearm for self-protection. When asked if he had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, Phillips was reportedly unable to produce one and allegedly said he did not have one.
Phillips was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is expected to face charges for felony carrying a concealed firearm.
Bartley was booked for suspicion of felony grand theft auto, in addition to three traffic violations. She is being held while awaiting trial.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a weapon possession offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.