Jitney passengers face gun charges following Hazelwood traffic stop

Two Hazelwood jitney passengers face gun charges following a traffic stop Monday by Allegheny County Sheriff’s deputies.

Dijuan Taylor, 21, and Preston Hemingway, 20, were among four passengers in a vehicle stopped for ignoring two stop signs just before 9 p.m.

A news release from Sheriff Kevin Kraus’ office said a gun fell from Taylor’s clothing while he attempted to flee from the traffic stop.

At the same time, Hemingway “spontaneously said that he had a gun and should be taken to jail,” according to sheriff’s spokesman Mike Manko.

A gun was recovered from a satchel that Hemingway was wearing around his upper body, authorities said.

Neither Taylor nor Hemingway have a concealed carry permit, Manko said.

Taylor’s firearm was a Glock 19X with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber, authorities said. He was found to have five active warrants, including a felony robbery warrant and three probation violations, Manko said.

Taylor faces two firearms violations, along with resisting arrest and flight to avoid apprehension, authorities said.

Hemingway’s gun was a black and purple Taurus with a full magazine and a round in the chamber, authorities said. He is charged with two firearm violations.

“This was good work in the midst of a potentially dangerous situation,” Kraus said. “Any illegal weapon that my deputies and all law enforcement can get off the streets is important to the safety of the community.”

The driver and front seat passenger were identified and told deputies that they were jitney drivers giving the four back-seat passengers a ride from McKeesport, authorities said. Manko said the four back seat passengers all denied having any form of identification.