A local man was arrested Thursday after a traffic stop led to the discovery of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The incident occurred around 11 AM on September 12, when a Minden police officer observed a gold Chrysler 300 speeding on Clerk Street near the intersection of Constable Street. The officer activated his emergency lights to signal a traffic stop. However, the driver continued onto Goodwill Street before stopping in the 600 block.
The driver, identified as Dominick Gill, 33, exited the vehicle and questioned the reason for the stop. After the officer explained that Gill was speeding in a 25 miles per hour zone, Gill claimed he was driving within the speed limit. When asked for his license and vehicle information, Gill admitted he did not have either on his person.
As the stop continued, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle when Gill opened the driver’s side door. After running a background check, the officer discovered that Gill’s driver’s license was suspended and that he had a prior record, including a distribution charge in 2021. The officer then asked Gill to exit the vehicle and inquired about any marijuana inside. Gill initially denied having any but later admitted to possessing a marijuana cigarette in the console.
Upon the arrival of a second officer, a search of the vehicle was conducted, revealing a small digital scale and four individual bags of marijuana. Three of the bags contained 30 grams each, and a smaller bag held 16 grams. All were found in a gray and blue insulated bag. The digital scale was located beneath the driver’s seat.
Gill was taken into custody and transported to the Minden Police Department for booking. He was charged with possession with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, and speeding.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.