Bladen County man arrested after firearm with automatic switch found during traffic stop

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Bladen County man was arrested Tuesday after deputies say they found a firearm equipped with an automatic switch during a traffic stop.

According to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to Blue Moon Drive around 5 p.m. Sept. 1 for a reported fight in progress.

While deputies were responding, they saw a black vehicle leaving the area with three men inside and conducted a traffic stop.

Deputies said they found a firearm inside the vehicle. Saquan Covington was identified as being in possession of the firearm, which authorities said was equipped with an automatic switch.

Covington was taken into custody and charged with:

• Possession of a firearm by a felon
• Possession of a weapon of mass destruction
• Assault by pointing a gun
• Going armed to the terror of the public

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing.