Canine Scout alerts officers to drugs in a vehicle, driver is detained

BEDFORD – A Seymour man was arrested after police found meth, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Andrew Tillett was on patrol at State Road 37 and 16th Street when he noticed the driver of a 2013 GMC Terrain didn’t use his turn signal when turning from State Road 37. The deputy initiated the traffic stop at a business parking lot in the 3000 block of 16th Street.

LCPD Deputy Trueblood assisted during the traffic stop.

Asher Burns

The driver was 51-year-old Asher Burns. He thought the officer stopped him because he was talking on his cell phone while driving.

Officers requested his driver’s license and registration. Burns handed an officer his cash app card instead of his license. Police say Burns’ breathing was heavy; according to police, that is something common when someone has ingested meth.

Police asked Burns if there was anything illegal in the vehicle. Burns said no and denied officers’ consent to search his vehicle. While speaking with Burns, Deputies Carter, Griggs, and a Bedford Police Officer arrived on the scene.

Burns was asked to step out of the vehicle.

Captain Phillips and his canine partner Scout arrived on the scene. Scout alerted officers to drugs in the vehicle. In the center console, police found a glass smoking device with meth residue and .36 grams of meth wrapped in a paper towel. Between the sunroof and the sunroof cover, police found a baggy containing 3.61 grams of marijuana.

Burns was detained on charges of possession of meth, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia and was issued a warning about not using his turn signal and using his cell phone while driving. He was transported to jail without incident.