Memphis Tigers defensive lineman arrested for gun on campus

Chris Stokes, a defensive lineman at the University of Memphis, was arrested Thursday on a misdemeanor charge of possessing a weapon on school property.

Memphis Tigers lineman Chris Stokes charged with carrying gun on campus

Chris Stokes, a defensive lineman for the University of Memphis Tigers, was arrested Thursday after a Glock 19 handgun was found in his backpack during a traffic stop on campus, actionnews5.com reports.

According to court documents, campus police observed two vehicles travelling northbound on Goodlett Street at high speed. One vehicle was stopped near the intersection of Goodlett and Douglass Avenue. An officer asked the driver, identified as Stokes, for his licence and registration. Stokes indicated the documents were in his backpack and gave the officer permission to retrieve them. During the search, the officer observed the handgun inside the bag.

Stokes was charged with misdemeanour possession of a weapon on school property and is due in court on Monday.

The University of Memphis issued a statement Friday morning: "We are aware of the situation and, due to the ongoing investigation, cannot provide further comment. Effective immediately, Chris has been removed from the football program."

Stokes' player profile on the university's official website has since been taken down.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)