Elmira Man Arrested on Weapons, Stolen Property Charges Following Traffic Stop

A 22-year-old Elmira man was arrested on felony weapons and stolen property charges following a traffic stop in the city, according to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.

A 22-year-old Elmira man was arrested on felony weapons and stolen property charges following a traffic stop in the city, according to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the arrest of De-Quez L. Barnes stemmed from a traffic stop on West Water Street around 8:46 p.m. on February 19, 2025. Deputies pulled over a vehicle for alleged New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. During the stop, both the driver and passenger were removed from the vehicle as part of the investigation.

According to law enforcement, Barnes fled on foot after exiting the vehicle, prompting deputies to pursue him. He was apprehended a short distance away.

Following his arrest, deputies say Barnes was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber handgun, which had been reported stolen. The Criminal Investigation Division of the Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation, charging Barnes with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a class C felony and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a class E felony.

Barnes was arraigned in Elmira City Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or a $100,000 property bond. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.