2 Arrested in Elizabeth City Traffic Stop Involving Stolen Firearm

Police uncovered a stolen gun during a vehicle stop on West Ehringhaus Street.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun trigger mechanism, capturing the stark, gritty details of the metal components under harsh, direct lighting against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the recovery of an illegal firearm.A recent traffic stop in Elizabeth City uncovered a stolen firearm, highlighting the ongoing challenge of illegal gun possession in the community.Elizabeth City Today

Elizabeth City police arrested two men, Isaiah Michael Tillett and Jesean Robert Brown, after a traffic stop on West Ehringhaus Street uncovered a stolen firearm in their vehicle. Tillett was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, while Brown faces charges of possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Why it matters

Illegal firearm possession and the recovery of stolen weapons are ongoing public safety concerns in Elizabeth City and across North Carolina. This incident highlights the importance of proactive traffic enforcement and the need to keep illegal guns off the streets.

The details

During the traffic stop around 9:57 p.m. on Wednesday, police found the stolen firearm inside the vehicle. Both Tillett and Brown were taken into custody at the scene and transported to Albemarle District Jail, where they are being held without bond. Their first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday morning in Pasquotank County District Court.

  • The traffic stop occurred around 9:57 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Tillett and Brown are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

The players

Isaiah Michael Tillett

A 21-year-old man charged with possession of a stolen firearm.

Jesean Robert Brown

A 27-year-old man charged with possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Tillett and Brown will be granted bail at their court appearance on Thursday morning.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of illegal firearm possession in Elizabeth City and the importance of vigilant traffic enforcement to remove stolen guns from circulation and protect public safety.