William Levi Rankin, a Felon, was Arrested Friday Allegedly with a Concealed Semi-Automatic During a Traffic Stop in Salisbury N.C.

RFP Staff

♦ William Levi Rankin, 23, a felon living in Salisbury, a city up to its armpits with hard cases and repeat felons, was arrested Friday night as a car passenger during a traffic stop on the 400 block of West Innes Street.  Rankin, recognized by Police Officers, was ordered to step out of the vehicle while Police K-9 searched the car.  In almost no time flat the K-9 to become attracted to 9-mm semi-automatic stashed behind  the passenger seat.

Officers on the scene noticed the 9-mm weapon’s serial numbers were defaced.  The female driver was let go, but Rankin was handcuffed and headed for the magistrate’s office in Downtown Salisbury.

Rankin was charged with alteration/disguised/concealment of numbers (felony), weapons-possession by a felon of firearms etc. prohibited (felony), and carrying a concealed weapon (felony).

Under a $200,000 secured bond, Rankin is locked up in the Rowan County Detention Center.

William Levi Rankin previous record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1197130&searchLastName=rankin&searchFirstName=william&searchMiddleName=l&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

http://rowanfreepress.com/2015/03/20/police-looking-for-william-levi-rankin-22-of-salisbury-n-c-for-an-alleged-2014-home-invasion/