Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/293799
Over the weekend, officers with the Sarasota Police Department arrested a four-time con- victed felon who was in possession of a semiautomatic pistol and a magazine with 10 rounds, the office has announced. Officers stopped William S. Griffin, 47, of Palmetto, at 12th Street and Huntington Place Drive in Sarasota, a news release says. When they ran a check on him, they learned he had a suspended driver's license as a result of a court order, the release notes. The investigation also revealed he was a high-risk sexual offender and that he was on inmate release for the sale of cocaine, the release points out. When the officers asked him if there was any- thing illegal in the car, Griffin told them, "No," the release continues. They then asked for permission to search the vehicle, and Griffin consented, the release says. The officers found a firearm concealed under the driver's seat, where Griffin was sitting, the release adds. The firearm was a Hi-Point .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol; it already was loaded with a magazine containing 10 rounds, the release says. Griffin was arrested and charged with Driving on a Suspended License with Knowledge (a misdemeanor), Carrying a Concealed Firearm (a felony) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (also a felony). Griffin was transported to the Sarasota County Jail with- out incident, the release notes. An aerial view shows the intersection of 12th Street and Huntington Place Drive, which is between North Lockwood Ridge and Beneva roads in Sarasota. Image from Google Maps FOUR-TIME CONVICTED FELON ARRESTED IN SARASOTA CRIME BLOTTER William S. Griffin/Contributed photo