Troopers Recover Assault Rifles During Traffic Stop

Clinton – Louisiana State Troopers assigned to Troop A in Baton Rouge seized a pistol, four high-powered rifles, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition today following a traffic stop in East

Feliciana Parish. Troopers were on patrol this morning at 10:30 a.m. when they stopped a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche for speeding on LA 63 east of LA 959. During the traffic stop, Troopers discovered that the driver, James Behrnes (W/M, age 33) of Clinton, had several firearms and ammunition in the vehicle. Troopers were able to determine that Behrnes is a convicted felon, stemming from a previous Louisiana State Police narcotics case. During a search of the vehicle, Troopers recovered five weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The weapons (all loaded) and ammunition recovered are as follows:

- three AK-47 assault rifles

- one AR-15 assault rifle

- one .45 caliber Beretta handgun

- five loaded handgun magazines

- nine loaded 30-round assault rifle magazines

- one loaded 50-round assault rifle drum magazine

- several boxes of assorted .45 caliber and rifle ammunition

"A convicted felon in possession of these powerful weapons is a recipe for disaster," said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. "This is an example of the fact that there is no "routine" traffic stop. We must continue to be proactive in our enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of the citizens we serve."

Troopers arrested Behrnes and booked him into the East Feliciana Parish Prison on charges of Possession of Firearms by a convicted felon (Felony), speeding (87mph in 55mph zone), and expired motor vehicle inspection. Troopers have submitted the weapons to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for processing, where they will be test-fired and checked against a ballistics database for involvement in any crimes. Photos of the weapons will follow this release. Additional photos can be viewed on the LSP website at http://www.lsp.org/news.html