THP Stops Convicted Felon; Finds Ammunition
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 | 10:09am
NASHVILLE --- Interdiction Plus Team Leader Trooper Robert Greer of the Tennessee Highway Patrol stopped a convicted felon during a traffic stop last Thursday in Sullivan County, resulting in the discovery of handgun ammunition. Trooper Joshua Orlowski, an Interdiction Plus team member, also assisted in the case.
On March 17, 2011, Troopers Greer and Orlowski stopped a 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for speeding on Interstate-81 northbound near mile marker 57 at approximately 11:30 a.m. (EST). The vehicle was occupied by two subjects. Upon the initial investigation, it was discovered that the driver had a revoked driver license due to a prior DUI conviction. The THP Officers then received consent to search the vehicle, which uncovered approximately 500 rounds of assorted handgun ammunition inside a duffle bag on the rear seat.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were contacted and later arrived on the scene and charged driver Paul Prater, 49, of Niagra Falls, N.Y., federally with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Mr. Prater was also cited for driving on a revoked license. He was taken to the Greene County Jail. The female passenger was released.
ATF agents also seized the ammunition in accordance with federal law. A photo of the suspect can be obtained from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.TN.Gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.