April 29, 2025

18-Year-Old Arrested for Possession of Machine Gun in North Charleston

News Summary

An 18-year-old man was arrested in North Charleston for possession of a modified handgun capable of fully automatic fire. Stacy Lamont Pha’raz Stokes, Jr. was apprehended after exhibiting suspicious behavior, leading to a police chase. He was charged and later released on bond. Additionally, a 20-year-old man was arrested in relation to a drive-by shooting that injured two boys. These incidents raise concerns about gun violence and illegal firearm possession in the community.

North Charleston – An 18-year-old man from North Charleston was arrested on Saturday for possession of a machine gun. Stacy Lamont Pha’raz Stokes, Jr. was apprehended around 4 p.m. in the Acabee Community while police conducted patrols following a series of shootings in the nearby Dorchester Waylon community.

As Stokes walked down Acabee Road, a police officer noticed him showing signs of suspicious behavior, including a “non-anatomical bulge” in his pocket and waistline. The officer observed Stokes make quick movements and clutch his waistband, indicating he might be attempting to conceal something. When Stokes fled the scene at a high speed, it initiated a police chase.

Upon finally stopping Stokes, the officer ordered him to refrain from reaching for the weapon he had concealed. Investigating further, police identified the firearm in question as a Glock 23 handgun, which was modified with a “switch” attachment capable of firing fully automatically. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms classifies possession of such a device as possession of a machine gun. The handgun was loaded with a magazine containing 27 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, but a check through the National Crime Information Center confirmed the firearm was not reported stolen.

Stokes was booked at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center and charged with possession of a machine gun. He posted a $15,000 bond and was released on Sunday, with an initial court appearance expected in early June.

In a separate but interconnected development, Alexis Vallecillo, a 20-year-old also from North Charleston, was arrested in relation to a drive-by shooting that occurred on April 3. Vallecillo has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun or sawed-off shotgun. The incident resulted in injuries to two young boys, one of whom required medical attention, including a tourniquet, due to the severity of his injuries.

This drive-by shooting took place around 9:50 p.m. near 1900 Hawthorne Drive. Although seven people were present at the scene of the shooting, none were able to identify Vallecillo as the shooter. The arrest came a week later, on April 8, 2025, as the investigation progressed and uncovered connections to Vallecillo.

Vallecillo has a criminal history in Charleston County, having previously faced charges for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a pistol. As of April 9, he remained at the Al Cannon Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing.

Both arrests highlight ongoing concerns regarding gun violence and illegal firearms possession in North Charleston. Authorities continue to address safety issues in the community as investigations into these incidents remain open, aiming to reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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