NORTH LAWRENCE, NY – A traffic stop conducted by Nassau County police late Friday night, October 10, 2025, led to the arrest of a North Carolina man after officers recovered a loaded firearm inside his vehicle.
Detectives said members of the Strategic Response Team (SRT) initiated a Vehicle and Traffic Law stop around 9:36 p.m. on a 2008 Honda near Rockaway Turnpike and East Avenue in North Lawrence. During the stop, police discovered a 9mm Taurus handgun inside the car.
The driver, identified as Thomas Haynes, 47, of Jefferson Street, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, was taken into custody without incident.
Haynes is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was scheduled for arraignment on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at First District Court in Hempstead.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date: | Friday, October 10, 2025 |
| Time: | Approximately 9:36 PM |
| Location: | Rockaway Turnpike and East Avenue, North Lawrence, NY |
| Defendant: | Thomas Haynes, 47 |
| Residence: | 423 Jefferson Street, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina |
| Vehicle: | 2008 Honda |
| Recovered Item: | 9mm Taurus handgun |
| Charges: | Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Vehicle & Traffic Law Violations |
| Arresting Unit: | Nassau County Police Department Strategic Response Team (SRT) |
| Court: | First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead |
| Arraignment Date: | Saturday, October 11, 2025 |
Q&A: Understanding the Charges
Q: What is “Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree”?
A: This felony charge applies when someone possesses a loaded firearm with intent to use it unlawfully, or when carrying one outside of their home or place of business without a New York State permit. It’s one of the most serious firearm possession charges under state law.
Q: What does “Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree” mean?
A: This charge can apply when a person has a prior conviction and is found possessing a firearm, or when the weapon is modified or defaced, or the person carries it unlawfully in certain public areas.
Q: What is “Criminal Possession of a Firearm”?
A: This charge typically applies when someone knowingly possesses a firearm without the proper licensing required under New York law — even if the weapon is not loaded.
Q: Why can an out-of-state resident face these charges in New York?
A: New York’s gun laws differ significantly from many other states. Even if a firearm is legally owned elsewhere, possession within New York without a valid NY permit is illegal and can result in felony charges.
Q: What happens next for the defendant?
A: Thomas Haynes was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead. The case will proceed through preliminary hearings and potential grand jury action to determine if it advances to a felony trial in county court.
