Suspect Tries to Grind Drugs Into Patrol Car Floor After Traffic Stop

A routine traffic stop for a lane violation quickly snowballed into multiple arrests after deputies discovered drug paraphernalia in plain view—and troopers say one suspect later tried to destroy narcotics inside a patrol cruiser. Deputies were following a blue Ford sedan when they observed it cross the center line, prompting a traffic stop. As deputies approached the vehicle, one of them immediately recognized a passenger as a woman with outstanding warrants for drug trafficking. While the driver searched for his wallet, deputies noticed him toss a purse from the back seat to the passenger side of the car. Looking through the window, investigators spotted two pieces of suspected drug paraphernalia sitting in plain view, including a burnt pipe and a glass bubble pipe commonly associated with illegal narcotics. The traffic stop occurred in the Perry Township area. Both occupants were removed from the vehicle and secured while deputies conducted a search. Investigators said no additional contraband was found inside the car. However, deputies located identification inside the purse linking it to the female passenger. According to the report, she admitted the purse belonged to her but denied knowing the drug paraphernalia was inside. She was arrested on her outstanding warrants and also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Meanwhile, because deputies suspected the driver might be impaired, the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to conduct an OVI investigation. That's when the situation took another turn. According to the report, after troopers placed the driver under arrest and secured him inside a patrol cruiser, he allegedly removed suspected narcotics from his shoe. Troopers say he dumped the drugs onto the floorboard of the cruiser and then attempted to destroy the evidence by grinding it into the floor with his feet. The Ohio State Highway Patrol advised they would be charging the driver with operating a vehicle under the influence, possession of narcotics, and tampering with evidence. The female passenger was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where she was booked on the outstanding warrants and the additional paraphernalia charge. Trying to Destroy Evidence Can Lead to More Serious Charges Many people assume that getting rid of drugs during or after an arrest will help their case. In reality, attempting to conceal, destroy, or alter evidence can result in a separate felony tampering with evidence charge, which is often more serious than the underlying possession offense. Investigators say that's exactly what happened in this case after the driver allegedly attempted to destroy suspected narcotics inside a patrol vehicle.

Related Content

Hospital Assault Report Leads to Felony Domestic Violence Arrest

Stolen Electricity, Illegal Pool Snacks, and a Missing PS5