A 42-year-old man faces multiple charges after a drug-related incident escalated into a physical confrontation with police on October 29 on Main Street.
At approximately 9:33 PM, officers observed a verbal dispute between a male, identified as Rankin Thomas, and a female driver. According to police, Thomas was seen exiting the woman’s vehicle, prompting officers to approach and assess the situation. Upon initial contact, Thomas was detained for officer safety, but during a pat-down, he reportedly began reaching into his pockets, ignoring officers’ instructions to keep his hands visible.
As Thomas continued to reach into his left shorts pocket, he produced a crystal-like substance wrapped in a lottery ticket, which he allegedly attempted to conceal beneath the vehicle fender. Officers ordered him to comply, but when he continued to resist, he was brought to the ground, where he tucked his hands beneath his body. Following additional verbal commands, an officer used a closed fist strike to Thomas’ rib area to gain compliance. Shortly after, backup arrived, and Thomas was secured in handcuffs without further incident.
After securing Thomas, officers retrieved the crystal substance from under the vehicle, which field-tested as methamphetamine. A further search revealed 0.4 grams of methamphetamine in Thomas’ right shorts pocket, and a used syringe containing a white residue was found in his backpack.
The female driver later reported to police that Thomas initially approached her at a gas station on Lewisville Road, where she instructed him to exit her vehicle. She stated that Thomas refused, offering her $10 for gas, and subsequently grabbed the steering wheel, nearly causing a wreck when she attempted to force him out of her vehicle by braking.
Thomas was booked at the Minden Police Department on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer with force or violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. All evidence has been documented and submitted for further processing.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.