A 17-year-old Rome man, Michael Powell, faces multiple charges after a high-stakes traffic stop on Main Street in Cedartown this week.

The incident began when officers observed a gray KIA sedan traveling northbound on Main Street with both headlights and taillights out. Police then initiated a traffic stop at the Kroger parking lot located at 730 North Main Street.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Barron discovered that Powell, the driver, did not have a valid driver’s license, while the passenger, Gavyn Deveand Turner, 17 of Rome, provided a valid license when asked. After confirming Turner’s license, Officers ordered Powell to exit the vehicle, but Powell initially resisted, attempting to argue that he was merely “traveling” and not “driving.”

When asked by police if there were any weapons inside the vehicle, Powell admitted to having a firearm between the driver’s seat and the center console. At this point, both Powell and Turner suddenly fled the scene. During the escape, Powell allegedly tossed a pistol from the vehicle. While attempting to evade capture, Powell fell to the ground, prompting officers to deploy a taser to subdue him.

Powell was quickly placed in handcuffs and, despite complaining of a migraine, refused medical attention. Meanwhile, Turner fled on foot, and a third individual, Messiaa Daniels, remained in the vehicle. Daniels was temporarily detained for officer safety.

A loaded Springfield Hellcat 9mm handgun was recovered from the vehicle, along with marijuana and a loaded extended magazine. Polk County Police were notified and began searching for Turner. While the search continued, a white Nissan was seen circling the area, raising suspicions. Police later located the Nissan, conducting a traffic stop in which Turner was found inside. A PSA Dagger 9mm handgun, marijuana (0.56 oz), and a PSA dagger pistol were recovered from Turner’s possession.

At the scene, an unidentified woman, later identified as Ja’kyra Monet Edmondson, approached officers claiming ownership of the vehicle. She also identified herself as a lieutenant with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Edmondson removed the vehicle from the scene after it was cleared by law enforcement.

Items recovered during the investigation include:

  • Marijuana found on Michael Powell’s person
  • Springfield Hellcat 9mm handgun with 14 rounds of ammunition
  • Marijuana found on Gavyn Turner’s person
  • PSA Dagger 9mm handgun with 18 rounds of ammunition found on Turner’s person

Powell is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a minor, crossing the guard line with drugs, carrying a concealed weapon, obstruction, driving without a license and a headlight violation.

Turner is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, criminal use of an article with an altered Id mark, possession of a firearm by a minor and obstruction.