A traffic stop for a wrong-way turn near a construction zone early Sunday, May 31, led to the arrests of two Minden residents and the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to a Minden Police Department report.
At approximately 2:09 AM, an officer stationed near Love’s Travel Stop observed a silver pickup truck make a right turn from the truck stop onto Industrial Drive, despite posted signs requiring all exiting traffic to turn left because of ongoing road construction.
The officer followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop after it entered the Minden Truck Stop.
According to the report, the driver, identified as Glenn David Moss, 61, of Minden, was unable to produce a driver’s license and instead provided a Louisiana identification card. A female passenger, identified as Amanda MacHell Martin, 50, of Minden, also reportedly provided only a Louisiana identification card. Moss further advised officers the vehicle did not have insurance.
A records check revealed the vehicle was uninsured. Dispatch also advised officers that Moss was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, including a Louisiana Department of Corrections warrant for a parole violation, a DeSoto Parish warrant, and three Minden City Court bench warrants related to failure to appear. Martin was also found to have an active bench warrant from Claiborne Parish.
Both were taken into custody.
While searching Moss, officers reported he appeared nervous, was shaking, and was sweating heavily. Police said Moss denied recent methamphetamine use, stating it had been “a while.”
Martin allegedly told officers she had used methamphetamine “a little bit ago” when asked about recent drug use.
Because neither occupant could legally drive the uninsured vehicle, it was impounded and inventoried. During that process, officers reportedly discovered a small zippered bag inside Martin’s purse containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe with residue.
After transporting both suspects to the Minden Police Department, officers conducted a check of the patrol vehicle and reportedly found an additional bag containing suspected methamphetamine and another glass pipe in the area where Moss had been seated.
Police noted the patrol unit is inspected after each shift and stated the items could only have been placed there by one of the vehicle’s occupants.
Moss and Martin were subsequently transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for booking on their respective warrants and additional drug-related charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.