Yesterday at approximately 5:30 p.m., a North Charleston Police Department officer patrolling the area of Verde Avenue — as a deterrence to gun and drug violations — observed a suspicious vehicle stopped in the roadway.

The front seat passenger appeared visibly startled upon noticing the officer. As the officer made a U-turn to investigate, the vehicle began to drive off. The officer later located the car near Spruill Avenue and Ubank Street and noticed a malfunctioning driver’s side lamp. A traffic stop was initiated.

During the stop, the officer observed a large bulge near the waist of one of the juvenile occupants. A second officer conducted a frisk and discovered a handgun loaded with 12 live rounds. A further search revealed approximately 32.4 grams of green, plant-like material consistent with marijuana in the juvenile’s jacket pocket. Officers also recovered clear sandwich baggies, commonly used in narcotics distribution, and a ski mask.

The juvenile was detained and charged with the following:

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 18
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

The juvenile was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice.