LABELLE — In the early morning hours of Aug. 18, 2023, Hendry County deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of 17 North Lee Street within the City of LaBelle.

Due to the erratic movement of the three individuals inside the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop, deputies approached the passenger side of the vehicle making contact with 35-year-old Sergio Alejandre. When Alejandre was asked to step out of vehicle, Sergio began reaching into his pockets. While speaking with Alejandre, he allegedly admitted to deputies that he had drug paraphernalia in his pocket.

The driver of the vehicle, Gary Lee Hicks, and was questioned. Hicks reportedly consented to a search of the vehicle. Deputies reported locating a loaded, black in color, handgun found on the passenger seat where Sergio was sitting, and on the floorboard in front of the seat, they allegedly located a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine.

It was also reported that 35-year-old Sergio Alejandre, of Moore Haven, was a convicted Florida felon and is currently on probation for fleeing and eluding.

Alejandre was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and/or ammunition by a Florida convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine and felony probation violation.