A police officer in Miami Springs encountered a troubling situation involving a vehicle loaded with weapons and a man possessing cocaine. The incident involved Deonte Ward, a 30-year-old convicted felon on probation. Ward, who was released from prison earlier in 2023, was under probation until November 11. His past convictions in Miami-Dade County were linked to drug dealing and lewd or lascivious behavior in front of a corrections employee.
The officer observed Ward in a suspicious blue 2007 Mazda with an illegible temporary tag. The vehicle was tracked from Lenape Drive and Oriole Avenue to a stop at North Royal Poinciana Boulevard and Starling Avenue. Inside the Mazda, Jermaine Wilson, aged 21, occupied the driver’s seat, while Ward was in the front passenger seat. Three teenagers were seated in the back, where a loaded AR-15 was clearly visible. The rifle featured a 39-round magazine, and a loaded Taurus handgun with 9mm hollow-point rounds was discovered beneath the front seat.
A police dog, K-9 Gunther, conducted a search of the trunk, revealing a loaded drum magazine containing 20 9mm rounds, an empty AR-15 magazine, and a box of 20 rounds of 5.56 ammunition. However, officers were unable to locate any registration records for the Mazda.
Following their arrest, Wilson and Ward were processed by correctional deputies after 11 p.m. on Wednesday and later appeared in court. They were held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Both individuals faced charges related to leaving a loaded firearm within the reach of minors and child neglect. Wilson additionally faced charges for cocaine possession while armed, and he had an outstanding warrant for misuse of a temporary tag and lack of vehicle registration. His bond was set at $3,150. Ward was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and had two warrant cases for probation violation, with his bond set at $10,150.
The Broader Implications
This incident highlights concerns surrounding public safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing individuals with criminal histories. For residents in Miami Springs and similar communities, the presence of firearms and illegal substances poses significant risks, particularly when these elements are combined with the involvement of minors. The situation underscores the need for vigilant law enforcement and community awareness to prevent potential threats.
On a societal level, the case raises important questions about the effectiveness of probation systems in monitoring individuals with past convictions. Ensuring that those released from prison adhere to their probation terms is crucial for maintaining community safety. It also emphasizes the importance of responsible gun ownership and the dangers associated with neglecting firearm safety, particularly in environments where children are present.