A sheriff’s deputy whose traffic stop helped solve a theft case was honored as Officer of the Month in May by Ford of Murfreesboro.

Patrol Deputy Jonathan McGee received a watch Thursday from General Manager Jason Borowski from Ford of Murfreesboro. 

“Officer McGee’s outstanding actions not only removed a dangerous felon from the streets of our county, he also prevented this felon from committing more thefts or potentially using the stolen firearms,” Borowski said. “I thank him for his service to our county.”

The case began when McGee conducted a traffic stop on two people and received consent to search the vehicle May 9. While getting out of the vehicle for the search, the passenger attempted to hide a man’s wallet in her clothes. 

During the search, McGee located a loaded pistol, rifle and shotgun. His investigation showed the driver was a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

McGee charged the driver with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and other traffic offenses. 

Later in the day, Deputy Chris Smotherman responded to a theft call and the deputies determined the firearms McGee located were the same ones taken in the theft. The two suspects in the car were charged with theft. 

Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh commended McGee for taking actions beyond the traffic stop.

“Deputy McGee took the initiative to ask for consent to search and located stolen property,” Fitzhugh said. “His actions allowed Deputy Smotherman to match the stolen property with the theft and make an arrest. We are proud of both deputies in handling this case.” 

Image: General Manager Jason Borowski of Ford of Murfreesboro, center, presents a watch to Deputy Jonathan McGee for being the Ford Officer of the Month. Flanking them are Ford Internet Manager Garrett Mayfield, left, and Sheriff’s Patrol Capt. Chris Haynes and Ford of Murfreesboro owner Andy Obeissey.