A routine patrol led to an arrest in the early hours of Saturday, July 20th, 2024, according to the Pottsville Police Department.
Around 1:20 AM, Officer Hrebik observed a black F-150 parked in the middle of a street in front of a home known for its association with drug activity.
As Officer Hrebik stoppedbehind the truck, it started moving and began heading north on North George Street. The truck’s tailgate was open, with unsecured contents nearly falling out. This prompted Officer Hrebik to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of East Arch Street and North Jackson Street.
The driver, identified as James Jeffery McGuinness Jr., 58, of Pottsville, was found with various drug paraphernalia and suspected controlled substances in plain view. McGuinness admitted to consuming alcohol, leading Officer Hrebik to conduct standardized field sobriety tests, which confirmed McGuinness was driving under the influence.
A search warrant was subsequently executed on the black F-150. Authorities recovered a loaded Davis Industries .25 caliber handgun, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and beer cans from the vehicle. Due to prior incidents, McGuinness is prohibited from possessing firearms, making him ineligible for a firearm license.
An arrest warrant was issued, charging James Jeffery McGuinness Jr. with Persons Not to Possess Firearms (F2), Carrying a Firearm without a License (F3), Driving Under the Influence (M), Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana (M), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper Stop (S), Driving with an Unsecured Load (S), Operating a Vehicle without a Certificate of Inspection (S), Driving with an Open Container (S).