A Mississippi man was arrested following a traffic stop on Interstate 20 on December 22 after officers reported finding narcotics, alcohol and drug paraphernalia inside his vehicle.
According to a Minden police report, an officer conducting stationary speed enforcement on the on-ramp to Interstate 20 near the 47-mile marker observed a vehicle traveling well above the posted 70 mph speed limit. A LIDAR reading confirmed the vehicle was traveling 84 mph.
The vehicle stopped near the 44-mile marker exit on Interstate 20. The driver was identified as Derome Rushing, 34, of Jackson, Mississippi. A female passenger and a juvenile were also inside the vehicle.
While the passenger searched the glove box for proof of insurance, the officer reported seeing two plastic bags containing small, multi-colored objects tied in knots, which were believed to be illegal narcotics. The passenger later stated the pills were commonly known as “beans,” a slang term for MDMA pills, according to the report.
Additional officers arrived on scene, and Rushing and the passenger were detained separately. Rushing later claimed ownership of the narcotics, police said.
A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed a used marijuana grinder inside a lunch box, an open bottle of tequila on the rear floorboard, and a carrying case containing natural marijuana, synthetic marijuana, rolled marijuana cigarettes and rolling papers.
Police reported seizing 15.11 grams of natural marijuana, 3.34 grams of synthetic marijuana, 18 MDMA or methamphetamine pills, six naproxen pills and three cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride pills. Officers also seized the open container of alcohol, a marijuana grinder and the carrying case.
Rushing was transported to the Minden Police Department and later booked to be transferred to the Bienville Parish Detention Center.
He was charged with maximum speed limit violation, open container, possession of legend drugs naproxen and cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, possession of natural marijuana over 14 grams, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of Schedule II methamphetamine or MDMA, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal use of a controlled substance in the presence of a person under 17 years old.
The passenger was released at the scene after police confirmed she had not ingested any intoxicating substances, according to the report.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.