A Sarasota, Florida resident is facing several felonies following a traffic stop in Lafayette County on Monday, March 29.

According to information from the Waverly Police Department, at approximately 11:34 a.m. on Monday, March 29, an officer observed an eastbound vehicle with Florida registration, travel off the right side of the roadway and onto the shoulder of Highway 24. A traffic stop was conducted for the moving violation.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 31 year-old Chad Straughn who reportedly has an active warrant for his arrest out of Sarasota Florida. When the officer attempted to take Straughn into custody, he resisted and attempted to flee on foot. Straughn was taken into custody after a brief struggle.

As a result of a search of the vehicle, authorities say they found approximately 20 grams of white powder-like substance that field tested positive for crack cocaine, less than 15 grams of marijuana, several pieces of drug paraphernalia which are indicative of illegal narcotic sales, and a loaded 9mm pistol under the driver’s seat. Straughn is a convicted felon and not legally able to possess a firearm in the State of Missouri.

Straughn is charged with a Class C Felony for Trafficking Drugs in the Second Degree; a Class D Felony for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm; a Class E Felony for Resisting or Interfering With Arrest for a Felony; and two drug related misdemeanors. The Court has ordered no bond.

Straughn was arraigned on March 30 and pleaded not guilty as charged. His next court appearance is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 7 at Lafayette County Circuit Court.