The Picayune Police Department arrested four suspects within 24 hours for drug-related offenses.

On Aug. 8, at approximately 6 p.m., narcotics detectives with the Picayune Police Department were driving north on Highway 11 when they observed a Chrysler Sebring with an expired tag, Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said.

Detectives observed the vehicle cross the center line and leave the roadway several times. The driver was also not wearing a seatbelt, prompting detectives to conduct a traffic stop near Interstate-59 North near Nicholson, Magri said.

The vehicle failed to stop and detectives pursued the vehicle north on Highway 11 as it turned right onto Dick Kennedy Road and continued west before turning on Jordan McQueen Road and River Road. The vehicle came to a stop in a driveway on River Road, Magri said.

Once the vehicle stopped, the driver refused to exit the vehicle. Detectives were forced to remove the driver from the vehicle at which time he became combative, Magri said.

The driver, later identified as Jon Satterfield, 28, of 112 Jordan McQueen Road, Nicholson, was unable to provide proof of insurance. Detectives conducted a search of the vehicle, locating a wooded box which contained a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a hand rolled cigar containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, Magri said.

At the time of the stop, detectives believed Satterfield was under the influence of marijuana so he was offered several field sobriety and blood tests, which he refused, Magri said.

He was arrested for DUI refused test, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle, careless driving, failure to yield to blue lights and sirens, no insurance, expired tag and no seatbelt.

About two hours later, detectives conducted a second traffic stop on Highway 11 near Jackson Landing Road for a broken taillight, Magri said.

As detectives approached the vehicle on both sides, one of them noticed a plastic bag containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine in the center console area near the radio, Magri said.

The driver, identified as Donaciano Ruiz, 47, of #8 Luke Lane, Picayune, was asked to exit the vehicle. As he did so, the detective opened the passenger door and recovered the plastic bag, Magri said.

While speaking with Ruiz, detectives detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person. Inside the car, they located an open beer can on the center floorboard hidden underneath some clothing, Magri said.

Detectives also found a plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in the driver’s side door. When a patrol officer arrived on scene, he noticed Ruiz’s eyes to be bloodshot and his speech slurred.

Ruiz was transported to the Picayune Criminal Justice Center where he was administered severeal field sobriety tests and was then taken to Highland Community Hospital for blood tests. As a result of those tests, he was arrested for DUI first, felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, open beer and improper equipment, Magri said.

A third incident occurred shortly after midnight on Aug. 9 when a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on Inerstate-59 near exit one for no tag, Magri said.

As the officer approached the vehicle from the passenger side, he appeared to have startled both suspects, later identified as Timothy Harris, Jr., 37, of 22 Shorty Burges Road, Nicholson and

Hersey Craddock, 44, of 1815 Ceasar Road, Picayune.

Craddock, the passenger, appeared nervous and made furtive movements while he spoke with Harris, the driver, Magri said.

The officer called for assistance and it was determined that Harris did not have a valid driver’s license. Harris was placed under arrest for no license, no tag and no insurance, Magri said.

Craddock was also asked to exit the vehicle and as he did so, the officer noticed him reach for his waistband multiple times. The officer placed Craddock in handcuffs, pushing him against the car as he continued to reach for his waistband, Magri said.

As the struggle occurred, the officer noticed a clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine fall to the ground. Craddock was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance.