A routine traffic stop last week led to the arrest of a Picayune man for child endangerment.
Picayune Police Department narcotics detectives conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Moody Street and Palestine Road on July 17 at 5:41 p.m. after witnessing an unrestrained driver cross the center line several times and weave back and forth in the roadway, Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said.
Upon speaking with the driver, identified as David Slayton, 34, of 162 Bluebird Lane, detectives learned his license was suspended for controlled substance violations and he did not have proof of valid insurance, Magri said.
Detectives observed Slayton jerk his body uncontrollably and speak at a rapid pace. Both are common signs of the use of crystal methamphetamine, Magri said.
An infant was also found improperly restrained in the front seat of the car, Magri said.
Slayton was ordered out of the vehicle where detectives conducted a search of his person, locating two plastic bags of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine in his pockets, Magri said.
Inside the vehicle, detectives located multiple infant formula bottles, which contained old formula containing dead cockroaches and other insects, Magri said.
Several old diapers containing feces were also found inside the car. A pile of dirty clothes on the dashboard obstructed the driver’s view, Magri said.
Slayton was offered field sobriety tests, which he refused. He was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance, felony child neglect, endangering a child by driving under the influence, DUI first refused test, violation of the child restraint law, driving while license suspended, no insurance, no seatbelt and obstructed view, Magri said.
The infant was later released to the mother and an incident report was filed with the Department of Child Protective Services, Magri said.