BEDFORD – A Bedford woman was arrested on multiple drug charges and for being a habitual traffic violator after a concerned citizen reported suspicious activity at a local gas station.
When advised of the complaint, Patterson denied using illegal narcotics but allegedly kept her arms positioned to conceal her inner elbows from view. Patterson stated she did not have identification with her and refused consent to a vehicle search. Due to the nature of the complaint, Officer Jones asked Patterson to perform standardized field sobriety tests, to which she consented.
While tests were being conducted, Officer Bell requested a check of Patterson’s information, which revealed she was a habitual traffic violator. Officer Bell’s K9 partner, Castiel, then conducted a free air sniff of Patterson’s vehicle, providing a positive alert for the odor of narcotics.
Given that Patterson was the sole occupant and had been observed exiting the driver’s seat, she was placed in handcuffs. Officer Jones reportedly observed what appeared to be fresh track marks near Patterson’s inner elbow while handcuffing her.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found:
- A blue metallic flashlight containing crystal meth inside Patterson’s purse.
- Used syringes were located inside Patterson’s purse.
- One clean syringe was located inside a pink bag in the vehicle.
- An Altoids container containing marijuana was located inside Patterson’s purse.
- Two hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes were located inside Patterson’s purse.
Patterson was arrested and transported to the Bedford Police Department for processing and then to the Lawrence County Jail. Her vehicle was towed.
Patterson is facing charges of being a habitual traffic violator, possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe, and possession of marijuana.
An affidavit of probable cause outlines the investigating officer’s belief that a crime has been committed. Criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
