A driver and two passengers riding in a vehicle without a windshield on the interstate were later arrested for possession of methamphetamine.
On July 11 at 7:20 p.m., narcotics detectives with the Picayune Police Department pulled over the silver Chevrolet truck on Interstate-59 South near exit four because it did not have a windshield, a departmental press release states.
The driver was identified as Richard Shane Tate, Jr., 35, of 23090 Road 262 #A. Detectives discovered Tate’s license was suspended and Tate said he did not have valid insurance, the release states.
Officers asked Tate to exit the vehicle and he was arrested for driving while license suspended, no insurance and improper equipment.
The passengers, identified as Michelle Elizabeth Burks, 22, of 216 West Sycamore Road, and Richard Blake Johnson, 34, of 427 Eros, LA, were also asked to exit the vehicle, according to the release.
After the suspects exited the vehicle and were searched, detectives located a large clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine on Johnson’s person, the release states.
On the front seat in plain view, detectives located several syringes, metal spoons containing a burnt residue and a torch lighter.
The paraphernalia is commonly used to produce a liquid form of methamphetamine in order to inject it, according to the release.
Further investigation revealed the methamphetamine was being transported for sale to an unknown person, the release states.
Tate was additionally charged with conspiracy to sell a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.
Burks was arrested for conspiracy to sell a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.
Johnson was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of paraphernalia. All suspects were transported to the Picayune Criminal Justice Center.