WAYNE CO. – On Sunday, June 2, 2024, a trooper from the Indiana State Police Post discovered a Richmond resident had an altered firearm after stopping him for a reckless driving violation on US 40.
At approximately 8:50 pm, Trooper Avery Weisbrodt patrolled the Richmond area near 21st Street and US 40. Trooper Weisbrodt stopped a red 2008 Chrysler Sebring for reckless driving during his patrol. While speaking to the driver, who identified himself as Jaylen Tyrone Hart, 19, of Richmond, Trooper Weisbrodt immediately detected a rifle in the front passenger seat. After obtaining verbal consent from the driver, Trooper Weisbrodt took possession of the rifle and another handgun. During an inspection of the firearms, Trooper Weisbrodt noticed that the receiver was painted and made the serial number on the rifle illegible.
After seeking guidance from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Trooper Weisbrodt arrested Jaylen Tyrone Hart, 19, of Indianapolis, and preliminarily charged him with possession of an altered firearm, a Level 5 felony, and reckless driving, a Class C misdemeanor.
Trooper Weisbrodt was assisted in this investigation by Richmond Officer A. Adams and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
