Assumption sheriff: 2 arrested after being stopped in stolen vehicle

A Morgan City man and a New Iberia man were arrested on drug and gun charges this morning after being stopped in a vehicle that Morgan City police had reported stolen, Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespack said in a news release.
At about 12:25 a.m. today, an Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Honda Pilot on La. 70. The vehicle was being driven by Clifton Escort, 36, of the 700 block of Lewis Street in New Iberia, and had been reported stolen by the Morgan City Police Department, Waguespack said.
The driver and passenger, Joey Francois, 34, of the 200 block of Robin Street in Morgan City, were also wanted on outstanding warrants from Morgan City Police Department. A search of the vehicle discovered a clear plastic gallon bag of suspected marijuana, a smaller clear plastic bag of suspected marijuana, and a pink and gray Taurus 9mm pistol, Waguespack said. The driver and passenger were both arrested.
Escort was charged with possession of stolen things, possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 marijuana, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and headlamps required. Escort was jailed with no bail set yet.
Francois was booked and charged with possession of stolen things, possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of controlled dangerous substance. Francois was jailed with no bail set yet.