Mooresville Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Weapon Charges for Passenger

A routine traffic stop along Charlotte Highway in Mooresville resulted in multiple charges for a passenger after deputies discovered drugs, a firearm, and alcohol violations.

According to Darren Campbell, the incident occurred on Saturday, May 2, 2025, when Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Deputy D. Perry observed a black Jeep Compass displaying a license plate that did not match the vehicle. The discrepancy prompted a traffic stop.

During the stop, the passenger, Kathryn Elizabeth Coley, admitted the license plate did not belong to the vehicle. She also informed the deputy there was an open container of alcohol under her seat and a handgun inside the glove compartment. Coley stated she did not possess a concealed carry permit.

Additional deputies responded to the scene, and a search of the vehicle revealed an open alcoholic beverage, multiple empty alcohol containers, a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun, and drug-related paraphernalia containing white powder residue.

Authorities said a search of Coley’s person uncovered cocaine.

Coley was arrested and taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where Magistrate Hollar denied bond due to her being out on bond for other pending charges. The driver of the vehicle was not charged in connection with the incident.