Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have apprehended 24-year-old Willie Harvey Dunn Jr. following a traffic stop that uncovered over 800 grams of marijuana and a firearm in his vehicle.

The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. on February 26, when a Gainesville Police Department officer pulled Dunn over due to a malfunctioning brake light. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noted the scent of burnt marijuana and observed two extinguished “joints” in clear view. Dunn admitted to knowing about the faulty brake light and acknowledged he did not possess a medical marijuana card. Moreover, the officer spotted a pistol resting on the front passenger seat.

Subsequent examination of the vehicle revealed the firearm, loaded with 14 rounds, and a backpack containing 806.3 grams of marijuana, divided into bags of approximately 30 grams each. Additional discoveries included empty baggies with marijuana residue and a digital scale. Authorities also collected a “roach” and loose “shake” from the center console, while Dunn was found carrying $2,695 in various denominations.

After being read his rights, Dunn asserted the money belonged to him, claiming it was from his cousin, though he declined to name him. He stated the gun was his and asserted it was carried legally but refrained from commenting on the marijuana.

Dunn faces charges including possession of a firearm during a felony, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell, using a vehicle for drug sales, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records show he has no prior criminal history. An earlier case from May 2024 for grand theft of a firearm, intent to sell marijuana near a park, and firearm possession during a felony is no longer on record. Judge Meshon Rawls has set his bail at $100,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.