Happy Mother's Day: Man Allegedly Hides Gun under Baby
Indianapolis police say Bellamy was pulled over for an unrelated traffic violation. As the officer approached, he saw Bellamy digging around the back seat. (Criminal law hint 1: digging around your car in a panic as police approach is unwise.) After witnessing Bellamy's frantic movements, the officer asked Bellamy if there were any guns in the car. Bellamy's reply: "No...you're not going to search the car, are you?" (Criminal law hint 2: don't say that, ever. It casts a certain air of suspicion.)
Bellamy then allegedly told police he had a suspended license. (You know that things are only going to get worse from here.)
According to police, Bellamy pleaded with the officer, asking him not to take him to jail because it was "Mother's Day." Officers believed that Bellamy smelled like alcohol. When Indianapolis police searched the vehicle, they noticed that the baby was unbuckled in the car seat and it looked like he was sitting on something. When police picked up the child, a .45 caliber pistol was found underneath. Police then searched the rest of the vehicle and also allegedly found marijuana and a scale. Child Protective Services were called to take custody of the child and a sibling in the vehicle.
Bellamy then allegedly became aggressive towards the officers, which led them to spray him with mace in order restrain him. (Criminal law hint 3: don't make a bad situation worse by confronting police.)
After being subdued, Bellamy was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of an unlicensed handgun, resisting law enforcement, neglect of a child, possession of marijuana and several traffic violations. Tyechia F. Montgomery, who was in the passenger seat, was also arrested on charges of negligent care of a dependent child and possession of marijuana.
Related Resources:
- Police: man hid gun under infant (WISHTV)
- Gun Laws (FindLaw)
- State Gun Control Laws (FindLaw)
- Criminal Defense FAQ (provided by Tonda Curry & Associates)
- DUI Basics (provided by Rooney Law Firm)