Traffic stop leads to drug charges

A traffic stop led to a laundry list of charges for two people after reportedly denying ownership of suspected drugs with a child in the vehicle.

Keidre Mone Erving, 28, of the 1300 block of East Street, was arrested Saturday, July 11, and charged with possession of Schedule II CDS (crack cocaine) with intent in the presence of a minor, possession of Schedule II CDS (amphetamine salts) with intent in the presence of a minor, possession of Schedule II CDS (hydrocodone) with intent in the presence of a minor, possession of Schedule IV (tramadol) with intent, open container, left of center and a fugitive from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. Bond was set at $258,000.

Keiundra Mosha Erving, 25, of the 1200 block of Lee Street, was arrested the same day and charged with possession of Schedule II CDS (crack cocaine) with intent in the presence of a minor, possession of Schedule II CDS (amphetamine salts) with intent in the presence of a minor, possession of Schedule II CDS (hydrocodone) with intent in the presence of a minor, possession of Schedule IV CDS (tramadol) with intent and open container. Bond was set at $60,300.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper says Officer First Class Chris Hammontree observed a vehicle crossing the double yellow lines on Carolina Street.

“He conducted a traffic stop on Evans Street, and he came into contact with Keidre,” he said. “As he was making contact with the driver, he observed a clear plastic bag of what appeared to be crack cocaine sitting in the center console between her and her passenger. At that point in time, he asked the driver to hand him the clear plastic bag, and she did.”

Hammontree then asked both occupants to step out of the vehicle, and at that time, he asked Keidre what the substance in the plastic bag would test positive for and, according to reports, she told him crack cocaine.

“She indicated she had no knowledge of the crack cocaine in the vehicle,” he said. “He asked her for permission to search the vehicle. She gave her verbal consent and he located two more baggies of suspected crack cocaine.”

According to reports, one baggie had more than 18 rocks of suspected crack cocaine, totaling six grams. The other baggie contained seven pills, later identified as the salts, one Schedule II hydrocodone and 27 Schedule IV tramadol all appearing to be packaged for resale.

Also inside the vehicle, Cropper says, were two alcoholic drinks in Styrofoam cups with lids and straws in them.

While it appears there were only two occupants inside the vehicle, Keidre’s 10-year-old son was in the backseat.

Police say both denied possession of the narcotics and both were placed under arrest. The vehicle was towed and police seized about $459 in cash as well. Cropper says the pills and baggies tested positive for narcotics and were placed into evidence.

Officer Mitch Hackett was on scene assisting, Cropper says. The child was released into the care of a family member.