Suspect Faces Felony Firearm Charge After Dispute Leads to Discovery

A call regarding a verbal dispute on December 15, 2025, resulted in multiple charges against a man after Stringtown Police discovered narcotics and later recovered a discarded semi-automatic handgun.

The incident began on East 3rd Street when officers encountered Joshua Stayton. During a safety search, an officer located a case in Stayton’s pocket containing four bags of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe.

While being transported to jail, Stayton reportedly provided a false identity to officers, though his true name was later confirmed through further investigation.