Man Arrested Near Preschool With Drugs, a Gun & Ammo

By Jessie Williams 

A 40-year-old Lafayette man was arrested in a local preschool parking lot on February 27 after officers discovered drugs, a pistol and ammunition in his vehicle.

 

According to the report drafted by Patrolman Jason Sells of the Lafayette Police Department, an individual reported being behind a work van that was all over the roadway, crossing the yellow line multiple times. 

A traffic stop was initiated by law enforcement in a preschool parking lot on Church St., where the driver was identified as James Gregory. 

After speaking with him, Mr. Gregory consented to a search of himself and the vehicle.

Inside the van and on his person, officers discovered prescription pills in unmarked bottles, a marijuana ‘blunt’ cigarette, a 9 mm pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition. 

The officer’s report states that Gregory advised the pistol was his and admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that morning.

At the time of his arrest in the preschool parking lot, he was also within 922 feet of a second preschool in the area.

Gregory was charged with simple possession, possession of a legend drug, drug-free school zone violation (2 counts), possession of a weapon while under the influence and driving left of center. 

His bond is set at $30,000, and he is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court date on March 25, 2020.