Oct 14, 2016 2 min read

An Illinois man was arrested early Friday by Washington police on firearms violations after he was spotted driving erratically and stopped by an officer.

Steffon “JoJo” Seay, 25, of Riverdale, was seen about 1:23 a.m. traveling north on Main Street near Chestnut Street, behind the wheel of a Pontiac Grand Prix. Police said the car’s license plate, which later was determined to be temporary registration from Tennessee, was partially obscured by a plastic cover. Police said he jerked the car to the left, so the officer continued to follow him.

Seay reportedly made a sudden left turn onto Walnut Street, followed by a quick turn onto Franklin Street. He was stopped on West Beau Street.

Seay told police that he was driving erratically because he did not know the area and was looking for a restaurant. He also told police that he did not have a driver’s license.

The officer could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the car and asked Seay if he had any drugs or weapons. Seay reportedly responded that he had no more drugs but did have a gun. Police said they found a loaded .40-caliber handgun hidden behind carpet inside the trunk, near the rear fender. Seay allegedly told police that he purchased the gun from a “brother” whose name he did not know in Tennessee. Seay said he did not yet have the ownership of the gun transferred to him.

Police checked and learned the gun had been reported stolen to police in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 27, 2015. It also was determined that Seay has previous felony convictions.

Seay was arraigned before District Judge James Ellis on charges of possession of firearm prohibited, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property, having obscured license plates and driving without a license. He was placed in Washington County Jail on $50,000 bond. He is scheduled for an Oct. 28 preliminary hearing before District Judge Robert Redlinger