A Tavares man was arrested on drug charges after being stopped with methamphetamine and a glass smoking device.
An officer observed 30-year-old Gregg Joshua Powers driving a dark SUV with its left headlight out southbound on U.S. Hwy. 27/441 at 8:20 p.m. Sunday, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department.
After stopping the vehicle at Berckman Street, the officer noticed a small plastic bag with a tied knot tucked inside the open steering column. He asked Powers about this, which made him nervous. Powers spoke quickly, looked around and did not give logical answers, such as he “just got it fixed,” the report said.
Powers eventually agreed to let the officer search his vehicle, although he questioned why, if it was “just a traffic stop.” He was then asked to step out of the vehicle and if he had any weapons on him, revealing a knife in his waistband. He continued reaching into his pockets without being asked, so the officer detained him for not following instructions, the report said.
A search of the vehicle determined that the plastic bag seen at the start of the traffic stop contained methamphetamine. There was also a glass smoking device with burnt residue under the center console, the report said.
Powers was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, as well as given a written warning for the headlight. He was booked at the Lake County Jail and released after posting $3,500 bond.