Stolen Russian-made rifle found in traffic stop

A stolen Russian rifle was found during a routine traffic stop that led to the arrest of a felon suspected of dealing in stolen guns.

Eddie Ray Doolin, 37, was pulled over at 3 p.m. Friday in the 1600 block of Suman Avenue.

Inside the vehicle, the officer found an M44 Russian-made rifle with a bayonet reported stolen Jan. 12 from a Needmore Road home. Doolin, who had past felony convictions, is not permitted to have a firearm because of his felony record, according to a Dayton police report.

During an interview with detectives, Doolin said he bought the rifle for $75 on the street, and that he figured it was either stolen or the seller needed money quick to buy drugs. Doolin said he was planning to sell he gun to make money.

According to the police report, Doolin’s Facebook page showed several guns he was selling. However, Doolin said he would “take his three years on the weapons charge” but no longer had the guns shown on social media and would not help officers track them down, according to the police report.

Detectives spoke to Doolin’s brother and ex-girlfriend. Both said Doolin recently had several large ones — including one with a scope — and that he was no longer welcome at either of their homes, the report stated.