LAPLACE — Stolen vehicle, drug and illegal weapons charges followed the traffic stop of two out-of-town men in LaPlace, authorities said.

Darius Hardy, 26, of Baton Rouge and MacArthur Henderson, 25, of Plaquemine were arrested Friday after St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated a LaPlace traffic stop in   the 1900 block of West Airline Highway.

Authorities said they were drawn to the area after responding to Louisiana 3188 following a stolen vehicle report, where they located a 2017 white GMC Sierra with an Arizona license plate on Carrollwood Avenue.

 

Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Hardy, and a passenger, identified as Henderson, as they exited the vehicle, and then detained the suspects.

A vehicle search led to the seizure of a Hi-Point 9 mm pistol, a Taurus 38 Special, a bag with a vial containing methamphetamines, another vial containing a marijuana cigarette and a plastic bag of marijuana.

Deputies said another bag contained dark-colored clothes and a ski mask.

Hardy, arrested for illegal possession of stolen things, is being held in custody in lieu of a $20,000 bond.

Henderson, arrested for illegal carrying of weapons with controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute MDMA and misdemeanor drug charges is being held in custody in lieu of $42,500 bond.