Abington police recover loaded handgun with six live rounds from 19-year-old during traffic stop, according to police

Police officers from the Abington Police Department are making the streets a bit safer.

On July 26, an officer from the Abington Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the 1300 block of Old York Road in Abington Township, at approximately 8:24 p.m., according to police. 

The driver, in a blue Nissan Maxima, had a defective center brake light, and the vehicle was also equipped with a window tint that prevented view of the driver, according to police, which caused the traffic stop.

Police stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, and the passenger, later identified as Mekhi Smith, 19, of Line Lexington, according to police.

During the stop, the police officer could smell the odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, as well as smoke emanating from the vehicle, according to police. 

During the police officer’s investigation, Smith was found to be in possession of a Lorcin .380 caliber handgun loaded with six live rounds and a small amount of marijuana, according to police.

Smith is under the legal age to possess a handgun.

Smith now faces a felony charge of firearms not to be carried without a license. 

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25 at 9:00 a.m. in front of Judge John D. Kessler.

Smith posted bail, which was set at $25,000.00.

All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.