Durham County deputies made a significant discovery during a traffic stop following reports of shots fired in eastern Durham County. Responding to a witness’s account of two individuals firing weapons on Hereford Road, deputies intercepted a dark-colored Audi sedan leaving the scene. A detective followed the car onto I-85 from Cheek Road and, with additional deputies, conducted a traffic stop.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities found a black Beretta shotgun, a tan Brigade short-barreled rifle, ski masks, latex gloves, magazines, and ammunition. The driver, 20-year-old Marlon Callejas-Ramirez of Durham, was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction related to the Brigade rifle. Callejas-Ramirez posted a $10,000 secured bond.
Further investigation revealed that the Beretta shotgun had been reported stolen in Raleigh earlier that day, leading to pending charges related to that incident. A 16-year-old passenger in the vehicle was released to the custody of his parents. The Durham County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for residents reporting potential criminal activity, emphasizing the prevention of additional crimes that might have occurred. Sheriff Clarence Birkhead urged residents to contact law enforcement if they witness criminal activity.