Stolen gun, marijuana charges follow Amelia-area traffic stop

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

The smell of marijuana led Assumption Parish deputies to a stolen weapon during a Tuesday traffic stop in Amelia, according to arrest reports.
Quintrell Quest Maurice, 45, Lizabeth Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:03 p.m. Tuesday on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, driving on roadway laned for traffic and speeding 85 mph in a 70 mph zone.
The charges resulted from a traffic stop on U.S. 90 near Amelia.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a westbound vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Maurice, and engaged in an interview.
The deputy noted a strong odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the vehicle. As the interview continued, the deputy proceeded to conduct a walk-around of the vehicle, at which time he observed a large-caliber handgun as well as assorted drug paraphernalia. The deputy took possession of the firearm due to safety considerations.
The deputy continued to interview the suspect and noted him to be eating suspected marijuana.
Dispatch then notified the deputies on scene that Maurice was a prior convicted felon. The suspect was convicted previously of manslaughter.
A K-9 executed an open-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted positive to the presence of controlled dangerous sub-stances.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of additional marijuana.
It was also determined that the now seized firearm had been reported stolen in Morgan City.
Maurice was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 46 calls for service within the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
—Brock Elix Williams, 42, Oak St. Morgan City, was arrested 12:54 p.m. Tuesday on charges of aggravated assault, disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and criminal damage to property.
—Brandon Michael Collier, 26, Grizzaffi Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:41 a.m. Tuesday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging eight counts of failure to appear for arraignment.
—Terry J. Menard, 37, Thelma Drive, Sunset, was arrested at 3:48 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, no insurance, improper lighting and possession of drug paraphernalia.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 40 complaints and made these arrests:
—Blair Chauvin, 33, Chalmette, was arrested at 5:27 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Chauvin was released on a summons to appear Feb. 3.
—Jody Ray Cubbedge Jr., 45, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:34 a.m. Wednesday on charges of turning movements and signals required, driving under suspension, no insurance and possession of methamphetamine.
Bail has not been set.