Running out of gas can be an ordeal, and having to walk to a service station late at night could prove scary. While authorities may seek to lend a person a helping hand at such times, the situation can take a turn should they deem one’s actions or behavior suspicious. Two individuals now stand accused of drug crimes after a late-night encounter led to the open air search of a vehicle in Wisconsin.
Police claim they encountered a pedestrian walking with a gas can at around 1:30 a.m. on a recent Thursday. The man reportedly told officers that his car had ran out of gas and that someone had given him a ride to a service station. Authorities apparently requested that he provide identification, and claim that the name he gave them turned out to be false.
After giving him a ride back to his vehicle, authorities called in a K-9 unit to perform an open air search of the vehicle, which allegedly indicated there were drugs inside. During a subsequent search, police claim to have uncovered more than 2 ounces of methamphetamine and various types of drug paraphernalia. There was another person in the car when they arrived, and both individuals were taken into custody and charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Upon being accused of drug crimes, many individuals may have little knowledge of their legal rights and how best to approach the situation. Those who face similar charges could benefit from consulting with a defense attorney for guidance early in the process. An attorney in Wisconsin can work toward protecting a client’s legal rights and assist him or her in forming a strong defense prior to entering legal proceedings.
Source: lacrossetribune.com, “Pedestrian
stopped on I-94 leads to drug charges against two people“, Steve Rundio, April 25, 2018