State Police Arrest Rochester Man with 'Ghost Gun' After Inner Loop Traffic Stop

The New York State Police reported a significant arrest following a routine traffic stop in the city of Rochester on Wednesday evening. Troopers apprehended 31-year-old Taykwane Timothy Taylor of Rochester, charging him with multiple offenses, including felony weapon possession, after discovering an illegal firearm in his vehicle. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by local and state law enforcement to remove illegal weapons from city streets.

The sequence of events unfolded at approximately 5:48 p.m. when a State Trooper patrolling the area near the Inner Loop and Allen Street noticed a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The officer observed that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and that the vehicle featured illegally tinted, non-transparent side windows. Following these observations, the trooper initiated a traffic stop on State Street to address the violations.

Upon pulling the vehicle over, the operator was identified as Taylor. A subsequent background investigation quickly revealed that Taylor's New York State driving privileges had been suspended on multiple occasions. Because of his suspended license status, the troopers determined that the Jeep Cherokee needed to be immediately impounded under standard operating procedures.

While conducting a routine inventory of the vehicle prior to its towing and impoundment, troopers made a startling discovery. Hidden underneath the driver's seat was a loaded 9mm semi-automatic "ghost gun." Authorities noted that the unregistered, untraceable firearm had one round chambered and a magazine fully loaded with nine additional rounds of ammunition.

Taylor was swiftly taken into custody without further incident and transported to SP Rochester for processing. He now faces serious charges, including second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class C felony for having a loaded firearm outside of a home or business. Additionally, he was charged with third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon due to a prior conviction, alongside misdemeanor charges for possessing a ghost gun and aggravated unlicensed operation.

Following the processing, Taylor was transferred to the Monroe County Jail, where he is currently being held pending centralized arraignment. Troop E Public Information Officer Trooper Lynnea Crane confirmed that the firearm, magazine, and ammunition were safely secured as evidence. This arrest underscores the unexpected dangers officers face during routine traffic enforcement and the critical role these stops play in maintaining public safety in Rochester.