January 12th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

On January 11, 2022 an officer with the Cumberland Police Department was on patrol on Henderson Ave when he observed a vehicle with an equipment violation.  The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted the operator and a passenger.  When the officer approached the vehicle he was able to detect the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun under the passenger seat.  A quantity of marijuana was also located.  The handgun was found to be stolen from an individual in Virginia.  Both the operator and the passenger initially gave false names, however their true identities were later discovered.  The operator, Makayla Richardson, had provided a fake ID, however later provided a valid ID.  She was found to have an active arrest warrant out of Prince George’s County for Failure to Appear.

The vehicle they were traveling in was also found to be stolen from Prince George’s County, MD.  The operator of the vehicle, Makayla Richardson, age 24 of Hyattsville, MD was placed under arrest for the stolen vehicle.  She was charged with Theft $1,500 to Under $25,000, Identity Fraud to Avoid Prosecution, Obstructing and Hindering, and Possess of False Government Identification Document, along with traffic violations.  The passenger, Stephawn Watson, age 26 of District Heights, MD was also placed under arrest.  Watson was found to be prohibited from possessing a firearm due to past convictions.  He had two arrest warrants from Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County, MD. He was charged with the following:  Possession of Stolen Regulated Firearm, Possessing Regulated Firearm after Disqualifying Crime, Handgun On/About Person, Handgun in Vehicle, Transport Loaded Handgun On/About Person, Obstructing and Hindering, Identity Fraud to Avoid Prosecution, Theft $100-$1,500. 

Both were taken to Central Booking for their initial appearance before the District Court Commissioner.  Richardson was held on $2,500 bond.   Watson was held without bond.

 

Arrested:  Makayla Richardson  Age: 24  Hyattsville, MD

Charges: Theft $1,500 to Under $25,000, Identity Fraud to Avoid Prosecution, Obstructing and Hindering, and Possess of False Government Identification Document

 

Arrested:  Stephawn Malik Watson  Age:  26  District Heights, MD

Charges:  Possession of Stolen Regulated Firearm, Possessing Regulated Firearm after Disqualifying Crime, Handgun On/About Person, Handgun in Vehicle, Transport Loaded Handgun On/About Person, Theft $100-$1,500, Possession of Marijuana, 10 grams or more.