DALLAS, Texas - A routine traffic stop in Grand Prairie led to a major arrest and a 25-year prison sentence for a convicted felon.
Lim Nguyen, 49, also known as Limthanh, was found guilty by a jury on February 27, 2026, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Stephanie Huff sentenced him to 25 years in prison.
The case stems from a December 3, 2024, traffic stop conducted by a Grand Prairie police officer for illegal window tint and red-covered headlights.
During the stop, the situation escalated when the officer observed what appeared to be a firearm in plain view. After removing Nguyen from the vehicle, the officer checked his criminal history and found multiple prior felony convictions, including aggravated assault charges that had originally been filed as capital murder.
Investigators later determined the object seen initially was a butane lighter designed to resemble a firearm. However, during the arrest, officers located an actual firearm in Nguyen’s pocket.
A search of the vehicle also uncovered more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, along with a scale and small baggies commonly associated with drug distribution.
Nguyen had a prior aggravated assault conviction dating back to January 2007, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
The case was prosecuted by Sara Beth DeLay, with Michael Chang serving as second chair. The investigation was conducted by the Grand Prairie Police Department.
Nguyen will serve his sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
