A routine traffic stop earlier this week in Montgomery County resulted in multiple charges after police discovered drugs, packaging materials, and a loaded firearm inside a vehicle.
Michael Anthony Whitehead, 60, of Philadelphia, is being charged with multiple felonies stemming from the incident.
According to police, the incident occurred on March 23 at the intersection of Philmont Avenue and Manor Road in Lower Moreland Township, where officers initiated a stop after observing a white Buick Enclave with an inoperable headlight. The driver, identified as Whitehead, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
During the stop, officers found the vehicle’s inspection had expired and that Whitehead was unable to provide valid insurance. While speaking with him, police reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
After initially denying possession, Whitehead later turned over a small amount of marijuana and consented to a search of the vehicle. According to police, that search uncovered a digital scale and hundreds of empty plastic bags consistent with drug packaging in the trunk.
Officers also discovered a loaded Ruger SR40C handgun inside the glove compartment, which Whitehead acknowledged was in the vehicle. Authorities said he did not have a permit to carry the firearm and is prohibited from possessing one due to prior history.
Following his arrest, a search of Whitehead’s person allegedly revealed multiple small baggies containing a substance believed to be crack cocaine, along with $855 in cash. Additional suspected narcotics were later recovered during processing at the station.
The substances have not yet been fully tested due to safety concerns related to possible fentanyl exposure, though the marijuana tested positive for THC.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 10, 2026 at 10:45 a.m. before Judge Thomas P. Murt.
Whitehead was not able to post bail, which was set at $99,000.00.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
