A Southern Pines K-9 officer assisted his handler in a weapon and drug bust Wednesday with the suspect refusing at first to exit his vehicle. As the man finally got out of his car, he locked the doors and threw his keys away.
The Southern Pines Police Department said in a news release that officers noticed Brandon David Kearns, 21, of Vass, driving erratically on South Stephens Street.
As the officers approached Kearns’ vehicle, K-9 Ivy alerted the officers “that there was odor of contraband emanating from the vehicle.”
The suspect rolled up the vehicle’s windows and locked himself inside his car.
Brandon David Kearns (Photos courtesy of Southern Pines Police Department).
“After a brief period of time, Brandon David Kearns exited the vehicle, at which time he again locked the vehicle doors and threw the keys for the vehicle into a nearby wooded area.” said the news release. “Brandon David Kearns became combative with the investigating officers and was subsequently taken into custody. The alert by K-9 “Ivy” resulted in the recovery of a Hi-Point 380 semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, marijuana and digital scales.”
Kearns was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and resisting arrest.
Authorities said the suspect was “currently released on bond for multiple prior charges in Moore County to include, but not limited to, robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking or entering to a building and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.”
Kearns was jailed under a $25,000 secured bond and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Feature photo: Southern Pines Police K-9 Officer Ivy.
