The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Sarasota man Friday after deputies discovered more than 300 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun in his vehicle.
Patrol deputies first contacted the driver during a traffic stop just before 4:00 p.m. in the area of Wilkinson Road and Maceachen Boulevard in Sarasota. While speaking with the driver, deputies recognized the odor of marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, deputies recovered three plastic bins containing a total of 300 grams of marijuana, various drug paraphernalia, and a backpack containing a loaded handgun with nine rounds of ammunition.
The driver, identified as Daniel Wallen, DOB 08/06/60, was arrested and taken to the Sarasota County Jail where he is charged with felony Possession of Cannabis Over 20 Grams, Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Sell or Deliver, and Possession of a Firearm While in Commission of a Felony. He is also charged with two misdemeanor counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Wallen was released early Saturday morning on $17,500 bond.