A talented K-9 and an alert Southern Pines Police Officer were able to safely take a convicted felon into custody that had a firearm within reach.
In a press release, the Southern Pines Police Department announced the arrest of Paul Lawrence Winter-McRae, 23, of Pinehurst, for carrying a concealed firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Officers stopped McRae’s car early Wednesday morning on Morganton Road.
“Southern Pines Police K-9 “Titan” alerted the investigating officers that an odor of contraband was emanating from inside the vehicle,” said the news release. “A subsequent search determined that Paul Lawrence Winter-McRae was concealing a loaded 9mm Taurus semi-automatic pistol inside the center console of the vehicle. Paul Lawrence Winter-McRae attempted to reach into this console during the traffic stop but was deterred from doing so by the investigating patrol officer.”
McRae is a convicted felon for an indecent liberties with a child charge.
The suspect is also on probation with pending charges for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm following an arrest in March.
“The brave men and women of the Southern Pines Police Department, supported by an extremely successful K-9 program, continue to perform in an exemplary manner with honor and distinction to the benefit of the Southern Pines community,” said Southern Pines Police Chief Robert Temme.
McRae was released from Moore County Detention Center on a $10,000 secured bond, has a July 24 court date and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge. 
