Hagerstown, MD News (8/20/2024) – In the early hours of August 20, 2024, Hagerstown Police officers made an unusual discovery during a routine traffic stop that quickly became the talk of the town. Officers conducted the stop in the 100 block of W. Washington St. after observing what they deemed suspicious activity involving the driver. As the investigation unfolded, authorities uncovered two handguns, more than 40 vials of suspected fentanyl, and a sum of cash inside the vehicle.
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The driver, identified as Ronald Abdual Armstead, a 48-year-old Hagerstown resident, was subsequently arrested. Armstead, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, now faces a slew of firearms and controlled dangerous substance (CDS) charges, including possession with intent to distribute.
While the recovery of drugs and firearms during an arrest is not uncommon, the discovery of one of the weapons – which appears to be a Colt Model 1878 revolver, dating back over a century – certainly is. Manufactured between 1878 and 1907, the antique firearm added an unexpected twist to the incident, sparking a wave of humorous responses from the community.
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Local residents took to social media, drawing on imagery from the Old West and classic Western films to express their surprise and amusement:
– “Great job by Wyatt Earp taking a cowboy off the streets. I certainly hope he had his HQL and legal carry permit 😑,” quipped David Chaney.
– Terry Ernde joked, “He was about to rob some stage coaches with the revolver lls he thought he was on bonanza 😂😂.”
– “His high noon appointment will be relieved! 😂,” added Keenya Maddox.
– Andrew Chaney noted the time gap with a comment, “Looks like 2 guns from the 80’s but one is from the 1880’s.”
– Eduardo Suarez wondered, “Was he preparing for a shootout at the OK Corral?”
– Chris Miner lightheartedly remarked, “Dang they finally got Billy the kid.”
– Robert Fortenberry added a bit of flair with, “He left his blunderbuss in his other car!”
– Dale Estep offered a challenge from the past, “Meet me at the Town square at high noon partner.”
– Tanner Craig concluded, “Dude was fixing to Rob the general store and ride off on horseback with that piece 🥴.”
While the charges Armstead faces are serious, the reaction to the antique weapon offers a moment of levity, reflecting the community’s ability to find humor even in unusual circumstances.
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