STAFFORD, Va. – A Stafford man was transported to jail after leaving illegal items in an Uber vehicle.

According to a media release from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the incident occurred December 31, 2024.

At approximately 7:39 p.m., a SCSO deputy responded to a North Stafford residence regarding “found property.”

The caller, a driver with Uber, advised that a male passenger had left a backpack behind. The driver, who opened the bag hoping to find information leading to the owner, instead found a firearm, and called the police.

When the SCSO deputy arrived on-scene to take possession of the firearm, he discovered it was stolen.

The passenger was identified as Eugene Perry III, 45, a convicted felon who was, at the time of the call, attempting to catch another Uber on Town Center Boulevard.

Deputies arrived in the area, located Perry and took him into custody without incident.

A search warrant was obtained for the backpack. In addition to identifying information for Perry, deputies also discovered what appeared to be several baggies of controlled substances.

Perry was charged with possession of a firearm while in possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, firearm possession by a convicted felon, and carrying a concealed weapon.

He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. At the time of this story, Perry remains in custody with a Stafford General District Court date of February 13.

According to the SCSO, this incident remains an ongoing investigation.