Local Radar

Paid for by the Joan Herlong for Probate Judge Committee

No seat belt leads to three charged with drug offenses

web posted March 28, 2006

JOHNSTON – Late Saturday night Johnston Officer Mathis observed a car traveling along Highway 23 and the driver was not wearing a seatbelt so a traffic stop was initiated at the intersection of Highway 23 and Edisto Street. The car did not stop and continued to turn onto Bland Avenue.

Once on Bland the car finally came to a stop at Aiken Avenue and the Officer approached the car. While speaking to the driver a “strong odor of alcohol” was noticed. Officer Mathis observed an open container in the back seat with a passenger in the car. Once given permission to search the car the Officer found a “marijuana joint” in the ashtray. The driver and another passenger admitted they had been riding around smoking the marijuana and drinking beer. All three were placed under arrest at that time.

Arrested were Erick John Murrell, 19, of Trenton; Stephen A. Mims, 19, of Edgefield, and Jonathan T. Peterson, 23, of Edgefield.

As the search continued more marijuana was found on the ground. Mr. Murrell admitted he had thrown it on the ground hoping not to be caught with it. The three were transported to the Edgefield County Detention Center to be booked.

During the booking Mr. Mims removed his shoes and a plastic bag containing marijuana fell out. Out of his right shoe another baggie fell out containing seven blue pills believed to be valium. When Mr. Murrell handed the jailer his wallet and he noticed a twenty-dollar bill folded up with a white powder, believed to be cocaine, was inside.

So far, Mr. Mims faces charges of simple possession of marijuana, additional charges for the pills and cocaine are pending. Mr. Peterson has been charged with simple possession of marijuana, giving alcohol to a minor and open container. Mr. Murrell has been charged with failure to surrender a suspended drivers license, driving under suspension, simple possession of marijuana, and a seat belt violation.

 

Paid by: Durham for Mayor

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