News Releases

Suspect Arrested in Gaithersburg for Driving While Impaired and Possession of a Handgun

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 26, 2021

Officers from the 6^th District –have arrested and charged Kirby Wilkerson, age 32, of the 5000 block of Ridge Road in Mount Airy, with possession of a handgun and driving while impaired after a traffic stop in Gaithersburg.  

On February 23 at approximately 2:58 a.m., a 6^th District officer was on patrol on South Frederick Avenue near Christopher Avenue when he observed a Jeep driving at approximately 10 miles per hour on South Frederick Road.  The officer, suspecting that the driver was under the influence of drugs/alcohol, attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the Jeep.  The driver initially failed to stop and continued driving on South Frederick Avenue at a slow rate of speed.  The driver eventually stopped his vehicle near Christopher Avenue.

The officer exited his cruiser, approached the driver’s side of the Jeep, and immediately observed a handgun sitting on the driver’s lap.   The driver then put the Jeep into reverse, backed up, and attempted to turn his vehicle around.   Additional responding officers positioned their cruisers around the Jeep to prevent the driver from leaving the scene.

The driver of the Jeep listened to police commands and exited his vehicle without incident.  The driver, now identified as Wilkerson, was placed under arrest.  Officers seized the loaded Beretta 9mm handgun located on the driver’s seat.  Officers observed an open alcoholic beverage in the center console of the Jeep.  

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer and Firearms Investigation Unit detectives responded to the scene.

Wilkerson was transported to the Central Processing Unit where he was charged with possessing a loaded handgun and transporting a loaded handgun in a vehicle.  Wilkerson was also charged with traffic offenses to include driving while impaired.  Wilkerson also had warrants for his arrest from another jurisdiction. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond.  

 

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Release ID: 21-082
Media Contact: Officer Rick Goodale 
Categories: firearm