WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Three people with criminal histories were arrested Thursday night after Watertown police found drugs, a semi-automatic handgun, a high-capacity magazine and a baby in their vehicle.
Officers pulled over a vehicle in the State Street Burger King parking lot after the driver failed to use a turn signal.
What police found
During the stop, police said they found a Jimenez Arms JA-380 semi-automatic pistol hidden under the driver’s seat. The gun had been defaced to prevent it from being traced, police said.
Police also said they discovered a 30-round .223/5.56mm ammunition feeding device, described as a high-capacity rifle magazine.
The passengers
One passenger, John Forney, 35, of Antwerp, was in the backseat with a 2-month-old infant. Police said Forney allegedly possessed cocaine, methamphetamine, suboxone strips, digital scales and nearly $300 in cash. Police said they struggled with Forney to remove him from the vehicle.
A second passenger, Ryan Dickson, 36, of Antwerp, allegedly had fentanyl on him, police said.
The driver
Police said the driver, Bethany Dickson, 42, of Antwerp, was operating the vehicle without a license.
Charges and arraignment
All three suspects were charged with felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Ryan Dickson and Forney were additionally charged with drug possession counts.
Forney also faces charges of child endangerment, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and criminal use of drug paraphernalia.
All three were arraigned on the charges. Forney and Ryan Dickson are being held without bail in the Jefferson County jail. Bethany Dickson was released.
Police said they did not have information on what became of the infant who was in the vehicle.
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