Caught doing 85 in a 70 mph zone, 21-year-old Karl Ray told Goodlettsville police the mason jar of marijuana in his glovebox was from the money he had saved up, so he could smoke during the holidays.
A Goodlettsville Police Officer was running Southbound radar on I-65 on November 23, 2019. At approximately 3:20 PM, the officer clocked a silver Mazda 3 going 85 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. The officer initiated emergency equipment and the vehicle pulled over and came to a stop. The officer approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Karl Ray, who said he was speeding because of a family medical emergency.
When Ray opened his glove box, the officer could smell marijuana and saw a mason jar which had a green leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana inside. The officer then asked Ray to step out of the vehicle and called another unit. During this time, the officer asked Ray about the medical emergency so he could arrange for an ambulance. Once the other unit arrived, the officer questioned Ray about the mason jar and he admitted that it was marijuana. With probable cause, the officer asked all occupants inside to exit the vehicle so that a search could be conducted.
During the search, officers found the mason jar and a loaded Glock 30 .45 caliber handgun. Inside the mason jar was approximately 25.1 grams of marijuana, scales with a leafy green residue, and empty baggies. At this time, Ray was detained in handcuffs and advised of his rights under Miranda. Ray stated that the mason jar contained marijuana he had saved money for to “smoke during the holidays” and stated that the gun belonged to his sister, who was in the back passenger seat.
Once all of the occupants were advised of their rights under Miranda, Ray’s sister stated that the gun was not hers. The front seat passenger also stated that the gun was not hers. Ray admitted that his fingerprints would be on the firearm because he has “handled” it before. 0Not buying Ray’s story, the officer arrested Karl Ray, charging him with possession with intent, and the gun possession charge. He is currently free on a $3,500 bond.
