A traffic stop in Knoxville Tuesday evening led to a weapons and drug-related arrest after officers reported smelling marijuana coming from a vehicle.
According to court documents, the Knoxville Police Department conducted a traffic stop around 6:53 p.m. on March 3 in the 300 block of East Main Street for a window tint violation. Officers made contact with the driver, 29-year-old Sebastian Devere of Knoxville, along with two female passengers in the vehicle.
Court records state that while speaking with Devere, officers noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Police asked Devere to roll up his window so they could test the tint level, but he reportedly refused.
Authorities then asked Devere to step out of the vehicle. Court filings say he eventually complied and told officers he had a weapon on him but did not specify whether it was a firearm. During a pat-down search, officers located a Bersa Thunder .380 caliber pistol in the front left pocket of his jacket.
According to court documents, Devere was placed in handcuffs and detained at that time. Officers then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.
Investigators reported finding a red cylindrical container labeled “Doobtube Stinky” in a compartment under the vehicle’s radio. Court records state the container held a green leafy substance with a strong odor of marijuana.
Police also found a clear and white container labeled “Paradise” in a pocket on the back of the front passenger seat where a female passenger had been sitting. Court documents say the container held a green leafy substance and a dark waxy substance. The rear-seat passenger reportedly told officers the contents belonged to her. A THC vape device was also located in the same seat pocket.
However, court filings note both the container under the radio and the items in the seat pocket were within reach of Devere. Both passengers denied knowledge of the “Doobtube” container.
According to court documents, Devere told officers there “shouldn’t be anything left in the tube,” which investigators say indicated he was aware of the container.
Court records also state the rear passenger attempted to take responsibility for the marijuana products in the vehicle but said she did not know where the tube was located and later stated it was not hers.
Devere was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. Jail records show he was later released on a $1,300 cash or surety bond.
He is charged with person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, a serious misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor. A preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled, according to court records.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
