On August 31, North Charleston Police Department officers arrested a convicted felon found with a firearm and suspected marijuana following a traffic stop near the Econo Lodge Hotel at 7415 Northside Drive.

Around 4 p.m., Officer Searles was proactively patrolling the area due to recent increases in criminal activity. During the patrol, the officer observed a vehicle leaving the hotel and making an improper turn. When the officer initiated a traffic stop, the driver—identified as 64-year-old Darryl Marcelus Brown—exited his vehicle on Ashley Phosphate Road, yelling and waving his driver’s license.

After being ordered back into the vehicle, Brown briefly complied before driving off and entering the I-26 eastbound entrance ramp. Officers conducted a second traffic stop due to his erratic behavior and detained Brown along with two passengers.

A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed approximately 60 grams of a green, plant-like substance that field-tested positive for THC, along with a handgun. Due to Brown’s prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Brown was charged with:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

He was transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.

NCPD encourages the public to play an active role in keeping our community safe. If you have information about illegal firearms or suspicious behavior, we urge you to report it to us. You may submit a tip anonymously through Crime Watch at www.northcharlestonpd.org, a secure and confidential platform. Your tip can help us prevent crimes and keep our neighborhoods safe. Together, we can make a difference!”