Two Arrested, Stolen Guns Recovered After Nashville Traffic Stop

Police say the suspects were on bond for previous gun and drug-related charges.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Two men were arrested and two stolen guns were recovered following a Thursday night traffic stop in Nashville, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. The driver, Rico Ransom, 22, was found to be in possession of stolen handguns, marijuana, a digital scale, and over $3,000 in cash. The passenger, Ladarrion Cain, 19, was also charged with theft of a firearm.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Nashville faces with repeat offenders and gun violence, as both suspects were out on bond for previous gun and drug-related charges at the time of their arrest.

The details

During the traffic stop, police found that Ransom was on felony diversion as part of a deal for pleading guilty to a deadly 2019 shooting. He was also arrested last year for being found armed with a rifle while free on bond for the homicide and wearing an ankle monitor. Cain was free on a $20,000 bond for evading arrest from a December 2025 incident and was also charged with theft of a firearm in August 2025.

  • The traffic stop occurred on Thursday night.
  • Ransom was convicted in December 2025 for the 2019 shooting.
  • Ransom was arrested in May 2025 for being found armed with a rifle while free on bond.
  • Cain was free on a $20,000 bond for an evading arrest charge from December 2025.
  • Cain was also charged with theft of a firearm in August 2025.

The players

Rico Ransom

A 22-year-old man who was the driver of the vehicle and was found in possession of stolen handguns, marijuana, a digital scale, and over $3,000 in cash. He was on felony diversion as part of a deal for pleading guilty to a deadly 2019 shooting.

Ladarrion Cain

A 19-year-old man who was the passenger in the vehicle and was charged with theft of a firearm. He was free on a $20,000 bond for an evading arrest charge from December 2025 and was also previously charged with theft of a firearm in August 2025.

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What they’re saying

“'Ransom was arrested in May of last year after he was found armed with a rifle while free on bond for the homicide and wearing an ankle monitor,'”

— MNPD (wsmv.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine if Ransom and Cain will be allowed to post bail for the latest charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Nashville faces with repeat offenders and gun violence, as both suspects had previous gun and drug-related charges but were still out on bond at the time of their arrest. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recidivism and keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.