News Releases

Suspect Arrested for Possession of Handgun and Drug Offenses during Traffic Stop in Fairland Area of Silver Spring

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Officers from the 3rd District have arrested and charged Jefferson Ayala-Castillo, age 21, of Columbia, Maryland, with criminal offenses to include possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun by a prohibited person due to prior criminal convictions, possession of marijuana and THC with the intent to distribute those drugs, and traffic offenses to include driving on a suspended Maryland driver's license.

On October 23 at approximately 12:15 am, a 3rd District officer was on routine patrol when he observed a driver commit a moving violation at the intersection of Castle Boulevard and Briggs Chaney Road.  The officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver (and sole occupant) as Jefferson-Ayala Castillo.  The officer observed marijuana in Ayala-Castillo's lap and smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.

The officer determined that Ayala-Castillo was not permitted to drive as he had a suspended Maryland driver's license.

As Ayala-Castillo exited the vehicle, an assisting officer observed an empty gun holster in the pocket of the driver's side door.  A bullet also fell out of Ayala-Castillo's pocket.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded handgun in a bag on the driver's side floorboard.  Officers also found THC packaged for distribution, marijuana, and ammunition in the vehicle.  Other items indicative of drug distribution were located on Ayala-Castillo and in his vehicle.

Ayala-Castillo was transported to the Central Processing Unit and was released on bond.

**A mugshot of Ayala-Castillo will be added to this release once it becomes available.

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Release ID: 20-420
Media Contact: Rebecca Innocenti 
Categories: drug-investigation, firearm