On April 12, a police officer patrolling the area of Bayou Avenue observed a Honda Accord failing to maintain its lane. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop near High Street, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle finally came to a stop near 900 Bayou Avenue.
Upon initial contact with the driver, Johnni McCaleb, and the passenger, Melanie Lope, 36, both appeared visibly nervous and were shaking, unable to carry on a conversation. Due to this unusual behavior, both were removed from the car, and consent was given to search the vehicle. During the search, a pipe commonly used for smoking methamphetamine was located under Melanie Lope’s feet, along with a small amount of methamphetamine found in a marijuana grinder.
Johnni McCaleb was subsequently charged with failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, improper lane usage, and driving under suspension. Melanie Lope was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.