CAMDEN — A traffic stop in Camden last week led to the arrest of a New Carlisle man on weapons charges.

On Wednesday, June 14, according to Camden Police Chief Matt Spurlock, Camden officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speed violation. Officers spoke to the driver, who was identified as 34-year-old Brandon Steiger from New Carlisle.

Spurlock noted, Steiger showed signs of extreme nervousness, according to the officers’ report. The officers asked Steiger to exit the vehicle and at that time he gave a verbal consent to search the vehicle, according to Spurlock.

“While searching the vehicle, officers located a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun with five rounds,” Spurlock noted. “Also inside the vehicle was a large ‘hunting’ knife that was concealed in between the seat and the console.”

After further investigation, according to Spurlock, it was determined Steiger was not a valid CCW holder.

Steiger was placed under arrest for two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, one being a fourth-degree felony, for the gun and a first-degree misdemeanor for the knife, Spurlock reported. Steiger was also charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle which is a fourth-degree felony.

Steiger was housed at the Preble County Jail.

“Eight out of 10 cases that we have anymore that involve a violent felony, are not residents of Camden — we are not sure why they make the mistake of bringing this criminal activity to Camden,” Spurlock said. “Usually after one arrest they realize they are not welcome in town and they take the unwanted behavior elsewhere.”