Two convicted felons arrested by Sarasota Police officers after traffic stop leads to firearms charges

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

Sarasota Police Department

Davion Baker, 22, and Sylvester Sanders, 24, both of Sarasota, have been arrested and are facing felony charges after a traffic stop led Sarasota Police officers to discover they were in possession of firearms. Both men are both convicted felons in the state of Florida.

On Sept. 15, at about 10 p.m., Sarasota Police officers stopped a vehicle north of General Spaatz Boulevard on North Tamiami Trail. The vehicle was known to officers from previous interactions, and its tag was known to have a financial suspension. Additionally, there was no listed insurance on the vehicle before the stop.

Officers spoke with the driver, while Baker and Sanders were passengers in the vehicle. Officers explained the reason for the stop was the possibility the driver was operating an uninsured vehicle. While speaking with Baker and Sanders, officers observed what appeared to be narcotics in the front passenger door and observed both men in possession of what appeared to be firearms.

Officers learned Baker and Sanders have violent criminal histories, including felony convictions for robbery and battery on detention staff. Baker and Sanders were asked to step out of the vehicle due to their criminal histories and the presence of potential narcotics in the vehicle.

A fully loaded .40-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol with one round in the chamber, was found in Sanders’ pants. A .45-caliber Glock 21 with a fully loaded extended magazine was found in Baker’s pants. The Glock was confirmed to have been stolen out of Sarasota County.

Once Baker and Sanders were detained and firearms were collected, officers conducted a field test on the substance found in the vehicle. The substance tested positive for methamphetamines.

Sanders and Baker were arrested and taken to the Sarasota County Jail. Both are facing charges for possession of a firearm by a convicted Florida felon, a felony. Both were released on $7,500 bonds.