BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on Friday, May 23, after being found in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop, and police learned he was wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Monroe County.
William M. Babbs, 36, was arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Sgt. Toby Gerkin of the Bedford Police Department, the incident occurred on Friday, May 23, while Sgt. Gerkin was on patrol in the area of 4th and R Streets, an area with recent theft reports. Sgt. Gerkin observed a black Pontiac G6 traveling south on Lincoln Avenue. A check of the vehicle’s license plate and registered owner, Kyle McMullen, revealed an active warrant out of Fountain County and a suspended driving status due to similarities with the observed driver, Sgt. Gerkin initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of 6th and X Streets.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Sgt. Gerkin immediately detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the car. The driver, Babbs, informed Sgt. Gerkin he was borrowing the vehicle. Due to the smell of marijuana, Sgt. Gerkin asked Babbs to exit the car for a probable cause search, and Babbs complied.
During the search, dispatch confirmed that Babbs was wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Monroe County, and he was subsequently detained. Sgt. Gerkin located a plastic container with marijuana and a glass smoking device with marijuana in it in the passenger seat. A metal grinder containing marijuana was also found on the passenger floorboard.
Babbs was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, and the vehicle was inventoried and towed by Stone City Collision.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
“}]] BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on Friday, May 23, after being found in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop, and polic … Read More
