San Angelo Man Arrested in Kerr County After I-10 Traffic Stop Yields Drugs, Gun, Cash

KERRVILLE, TX — Authorities in Kerr County seized more than 26 pounds of marijuana, thousands of THC vape cartridges, a loaded handgun and over $7,000 in cash during a traffic stop on Interstate 10, leading to the arrest of a 22-year-old San Angelo man. 

Kaden Alonzo Jones was booked into the Kerr County Jail on charges of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2 exceeding 400 grams, possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds, and unlawful carrying of a weapon, the sheriff's office said. His bond was set at $37,000.

The stop occurred Tuesday near mile marker 485 west of Kerrville, after an investigator with the sheriff's Criminal Interdiction Unit observed a traffic violation, authorities stated. The investigator suspected additional criminal activity, and Jones denied consent to search the vehicle. 

A K-9 unit responded and alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a probable cause search that uncovered approximately 26.55 pounds of marijuana, 4,000 grams of THC vape cartridges, a handgun, and $7,455 in cash, the sheriff's office said. 

The vehicle is also subject to possible seizure due to its alleged use in drug trafficking, officials stated.

"This stop and the seizure that followed represents the latest in a line of successes delivered by our Interdiction Unit," Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said in a statement. "While some see our interstate and state highways as an easy way to move drug shipments, we continue to send the message that our office will always confront traffickers who choose our area."

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed, authorities said. Jones is presumed innocent until proven guilty.