A Minden police officer arrested a Monroe man speeding, leading to the discovery of marijuana and a child without proper restraints in the vehicle.
While stationed on the I-20 on-ramp at mile marker 47 westbound, the officer clocked a vehicle traveling at 87 mph in a 70 mph zone. Initiating lights and sirens at mile marker 45, the driver ignored the signals and continued until pulling over at mile marker 41.
Upon contact, the officer identified the driver as Justin Banks, 28, of the 1200 block of Georgia Street in Monroe. A strong odor of marijuana emanated from the vehicle, prompting the officer to place Banks under arrest for flight from an officer.
During a vehicle search, the officer discovered Banks’ approximately three-year-old son without a car seat. Banks was transported to the Minden Police Department, where he informed the officer of having concealed an item in his groin area. The officer retrieved 8.2 grams of suspected marijuana from Banks.
Banks was charged with exceeding the speed limit, taking contraband into a penal institution, flight from an officer, no child passenger restraint, and manufacturing/distribution/possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (marijuana).