6-Time Convicted Felon Arrested With Rifle, Meth and 11 Lbs of Saw Palmetto Berries at Traffic Stop

A Florida traffic stop that began with a driver allegedly going 15 mph over the speed limit ended with deputies finding a rifle, methamphetamine, and an unexpected haul of saw palmetto berries.

FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported on Tuesday, September 22, that Dewayne Rose was driving a van at 75 mph in a 60-mph zone in Arcadia when Deputy Pandolfi pulled him over.

Rose was identified by authorities as a six-time convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Deputies also said his driver’s license was suspended.

As Pandolfi approached the driver’s side, he spotted an AR-15 between the seat and center console, the sheriff’s office said.

Corporal Santana later arrived with K9 Lucy, who alerted deputies at both the driver and passenger doors during a sniff around the van.

A search allegedly turned up 77 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and a glass pipe, per the outlet.

Deputies also discovered two bags holding about 11 pounds of saw palmetto berries. Rose told authorities he had harvested the berries in Sarasota but could not provide the required permit.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, saw palmetto berries are harvested for use in herbal supplements. Florida classifies the plant as commercially exploited, which is why a permit is required to harvest the berries.

Rose was booked into the DeSoto County Jail.

He faces charges including trafficking in amphetamines or methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, knowingly driving with a suspended or revoked license and harvesting without presenting a permit, ABC7 reported.

Authorities have not publicly said where Rose was headed when they stopped him. Available records do not show that he has entered a plea in the case.