The Poplarville Police Department worked a traffic stop that resulted in the arrest two people on drug offenses, and responded to a vehicular accident involving a Ford Explorer colliding with an 18-wheeler.
On Feb. 23 at 6 p.m., Poplarville Police officers observed a vehicle traveling on West Clark Street near Highway 11, carelessly swerving across the centerline, Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby said.
Officers then conducted a traffic stop and upon speaking with the driver, identified as Brian T. Wells, 37, of 1203 S. McGeehee Lane, he appeared nervous and repeatedly touched his pocket, Raby said.
A search of Well’s person located a cigarette pack in his pocket containing a large amount of what was believed to be methamphetamine, Raby said.
Officers then asked the passenger of the vehicle, identified as Whitney Collier, 27, of 149 Sam Smith Road, Poplarville, to exit the vehicle, Raby said.
Collier nervously touched her purse, leading to a search of the bag, which located several bags of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, a small bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, eight syringes filled with a clear liquid substance believed to be methamphetamine, 24 empty plastic bags, one small scale and one silver spoon with what appeared to be methamphetamine residue, Raby said.
Collier was arrested for possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Raby said.
Wells was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, careless driving, no insurance and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Raby said.
Officers also seized Collier’s vehicle and $525 in cash, he said.
In a separate incident on Feb. 26, Poplarville Police officers were dispatched to the northbound lane of Interstate 59 near exit 29 around 4 a.m., Raby said.
Upon arrival, officers observed a Ford Explorer that had collided with a parked 18-wheeler flatbed truck on the exit-ramp, Raby said.
The driver of the Ford Explorer was later identified as Victoria Butler, 23, of Terry, Miss. and the passenger was identified as Jalissa Baker, 22, of Jackson, Raby said.
The Explorer sustained heavy damage due to the impact with the 18-wheeler, Raby said.
Baker appeared to have two broken legs and both occupants were transported to Forest General Hospital, Raby said.
The driver of the 18-wheeler was unharmed and the vehicle sustained only minor damage, Raby said.
With no alcohol or drugs found in the vehicle, the cause of the accident is still under investigation, Raby said.