WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH - In the early morning hours of Friday, April 23, 2021, at approximately 1:20 A.M., a Willoughby Hills police officer was conducting traffic enforcement on I-90 east. The officer observed a Dodge Charger approaching his location at a high rate of speed, which was confirmed with handheld laser at 89mph / 60mph zone. The officer proceeded after the violator and initiated a traffic stop for the excessive speed violation.
The owner and operator of the vehicle was identified as Justin Layne. There were two other male occupants in the vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop Mr. Layne identified himself as a professional football player, and it was later confirmed that Mr. Layne is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Based upon a records check conducted by the officer at the scene of the traffic stop, it was determined that Mr. Layne was operating his vehicle with a suspended license. There was also an outstanding warrant for his arrest, for failure to appear on a traffic violation through another jurisdiction. Mr. Layne was taken into custody at that time.
Officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, after observing loose marijuana particles strewn throughout the vehicle, as well as the odor of raw marijuana. A loaded Glock 9mm pistol was located in the center console. Mr. Layne is a not a licensed concealed carry permit holder in the state of Ohio. Through further interviews and continued investigation, Mr. Layne was arrested and charged with Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle. This charge is a felony of the fourth degree. He was also cited for the related traffic violations.
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