By Pat Culverhouse

A traffic stop for a minor offense resulted in a major headache for a Cullen man who is now being held in the parish prison on a firearms charge.

Demichael DeMontreal Smith, 36, was arrested for felon in possession a firearm after he was initially pulled over by Minden police Thursday for a window tint violation. He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond has been set.

After making contact with the driver, MPD Officer Kendale Booker reportedly detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A criminal history check reportedly revealed Smith had multiple prior convictions within the past 10 years including drug possession and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the officer reportedly located a small amount of marijuana in the console. Smith reportedly informed the officer a handgun was located under the rear seat, and a .45 caliber handgun was recovered.

Smith reportedly admitted the handgun belonged to him and told the officer he had forgotten it was inside the vehicle.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.