Two Separate Traffic Stops Result in Arrests for Illegal Drugs and Firearms

Two separate proactive traffic stops in St. Tammany Parish has resulted in three arrests and the seizure of illegal narcotics and illegally possessed firearms.

Case 1

Friday (July 8, 2022) evening, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Proactive Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the Slidell area on a blue Ford Mustang after observing traffic violations. While speaking with the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Alphonse Tillman (age 35 and of Slidell), detectives located approximately 21 grams of marijuana on his person. A search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded 32-caliber handgun which was small enough to be easily concealed within a pocket. Tillman has a criminal history, which includes convictions for numerous felony offenses which prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm.

Tillman was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Possession of Schedule I (marijuana), and Improper turn.

Case 2

During the early morning hours of Saturday (July 9, 2022), Detectives with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Proactive Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado truck at the intersection of Gause Boulevard East and Interstate 10 on-ramp in Slidell. While searching this vehicle, detectives located six firearms of various makes and models, approximately one gram of methamphetamine, two grams of cocaine, 18 unlawfully possessed prescription pills and assorted drug paraphernalia.

The truck’s driver, Seth Vinet (age 31 and of Meridian, MS), was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS, Possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine), Possession of Schedule II (cocaine), Possession of a Legend Drug Without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on Roadway Laned for Travel, Turning Movements and Required Signals, and Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended. The truck’s passenger, Amber Holcombe (age 31 and also of Meridian, MS), was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

“I applaud the detectives on our Proactive Enforcement Unit who work to place dangerous criminals in jail and to take illegal drugs and firearms off our streets,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “It is my promise that I will continue to do everything in my power using proactive police work to keep St. Tammany Parish the safe and wonderful community that it is.