CLEWISTON — The Clewiston Police Department recently reported that on Sept. 24, around 2 a.m., one of their officers spotted a vehicle on U.S. 27 that was traveling very closely behind another vehicle. It was reportedly cloudy and rainy at that time.

“Based upon the facts mentioned above, the officer activated his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. As the vehicle came to a stop, our officer observed the vehicle operator’s right arm extend upward with a dark object in his hand. The operator then made a swift motion downward, as if he were hiding something,” CPD explained. “When the officer made his initial approach to the vehicle, he identified the operator as 22-year-old Le’Mari Camel. The officer asked if there was any contraband or weapons inside the vehicle, to which Camel answered “no.” At this point, the officer instructs Camel to exit the vehicle, and as he exited, the officer observed a large amount of money hanging out of Camel’s pockets. After a brief investigation, a loaded firearm was found under the driver’s seat. Camel admitted that he did not have a concealed carry permit.”

The officer also found $4,000 and 21 grams of marijuana. Camel was placed under lawful arrest charged with carrying a concealed weapon (firearm), destroying evidence, and marijuana possession.

“Camel was afforded all of his rights and privileges in accordance with Clewiston Police Department policy and the Florida State Statutes. Camel is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” CPD stated, regarding the arrest.