By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Winston-Salem man was charged with cocaine and marijuana possession following a traffic stop early Friday morning. The officer noticed a blue 2005 Genesis had an expired license plate.

Salisbury Police Police charged Alan Thomas Vann Jr., 27, of the 2800 block of Buchanan Street, with felony possession of a controlled substance schedule II, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance schedule VI, felony possession of a firearm by a felon. The officer also issued citations for driving while license revoked and excessive speed limit.

The officer was behind the vehicle when he determined the vehicle had an expired plate. The driver, later identified as Alan Vann, sped on Newsome and Stokes Ferry roads until he was pulled over at a BP convenience store at 1518 E. Innes St., said Police Spokesman Greg Beam.

Beam said the driver admitted he had several fines and he had no license. The officer searched for Alan Vann’s name and determined his license was suspended.

A second officer spotted an open container of alcohol in back seat and asked Vann if he’d been drinking. The officer also saw a white powder substance in the side door pocket. There was also a ripped plastic bag with white powder on it, which tested positive for cocaine. The officer also found a small amount of marijuana near the driver’s seat, Beam said.

The officer seized a firearm when he saw the barrel sticking out from under the driver’s seat. Police said Vann is a convicted felon.

Vann remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.