Traffic stop on Taconic State Parkway results in arrest and recovery of loaded stolen firearm in the Town of Yorktown

Yorktown, New York – A routine traffic stop on the Taconic State Parkway quickly escalated into a serious criminal case on June 25, 2025, when New York State Police recovered a loaded stolen handgun and took two men into custody.

Around midday, troopers from the Troop K Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) pulled over a 2014 Mercedes-Benz sedan heading northbound in the Town of Yorktown for multiple violations of New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law. What began as a standard roadside check soon revealed far more troubling activity.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 38-year-old Jack L. Thomas of Poughkeepsie, and his front-seat passenger was 24-year-old Jiovanni D. Atherton from the Bronx.

Read also: Woman from Painted Post arrested after domestic dispute turns into property damage incident in the town of Erwin

Upon making contact with the vehicle, police requested assistance from New York State Police K9 Jett, who conducted an exterior sniff of the sedan. K9 Jett quickly alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics, prompting troopers to carry out a probable cause search of the vehicle’s interior.

What they found inside was alarming.

Troopers uncovered a loaded Colt MK IV Series 70 semi-automatic handgun. After further investigation, it was determined that the firearm had been reported stolen in the state of Vermont. The presence of a loaded weapon, particularly one that had been unlawfully obtained, significantly escalated the charges for both individuals.

Thomas and Atherton were immediately arrested on multiple felony counts, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree (Loaded Firearm), a Class C felony, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree, also a Class E felony.

Both men were taken into custody and are currently being held while they await arraignment.

Read also: Kijana Crawford announces retirement after 52 years of groundbreaking service with the College of Liberal Arts at RIT

At this time, investigators have not released additional information regarding the origin of the stolen firearm or whether further charges may be pending. However, the swift and coordinated efforts of the CSU unit, aided by K9 Jett, were instrumental in ensuring that a dangerous weapon was removed from circulation.

This incident serves as a reminder of how routine traffic enforcement can often lead to the discovery of serious criminal activity. Law enforcement officials emphasize that vigilance on the roads not only enforces basic safety laws but can also play a vital role in uncovering and preventing larger threats to public safety.