Harmar police: Speeding driver had stolen gun, 10 ounces of pot in car when pulled over

Harmar police charged a Pittsburgh man with multiple felonies after he was pulled over for speeding and a stolen gun and drugs allegedly were found in the vehicle.

Omarion Darnell Pashel, 18, of Greenwood Street in the city’s Morningside neighborhood, was charged with felony counts of receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, carrying a gun without a license and possession of drugs with the intent to deliver. He also faces misdemeanor charges of carrying a loaded gun, drug possession as well as a speeding citation.

A patrol officer parked near the northbound RIDC Park exit on Route 28 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 began following a maroon Chevy Malibu that sped past him, according to a criminal complaint charging Pashel.

The car was clocked going 85 mph in a 55 mph zone for several miles before it was pulled over, police said.

The officer wrote in the complaint that he could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car and saw two plastic baggies with suspected marijuana on the passenger seat, which Pashel turned over.

Police said Pashel allowed them to search the vehicle after they confiscated the marijuana. Police said he was unable to produce a valid state medical marijuana card.

Investigators said they found a loaded gun under the driver’s seat that had the serial number scratched out. Even without the numbers, police said they were able to trace the weapon back to the person who reported it stolen.

Investigators said they confiscated a total of 10.4 ounces of marijuana from the vehicle along with a digital scale that had marijuana residue and bags used to package the drug.

Police noted the marijuana was separated into six bags containing numerous smaller bags inside for apparent distribution.

Pashel was released from custody on his own recognizance. He faces a preliminary hearing Feb. 28 before District Judge David J. Sosovicka.