BEDFORD — A Bedford woman was arrested Wednesday after police say a traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer J. Landon Jones, Melissa A. Cassidy, 40, was arrested on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine greater than 5 grams with a prior dealing conviction, possession of a narcotic drug greater than 5 grams with a prior dealing conviction, and possession of paraphernalia.
Jones reported he conducted a traffic stop at about 4:48 p.m. Wednesday after observing a red Chevrolet Cruze turn in front of his patrol vehicle near R Street and 13th Street. The affidavit states the vehicle was registered to Cassidy, whom police identified as the driver.
According to the affidavit, Cassidy pulled into a business parking lot in the 2000 block of 16th Street but did not park in a marked space. Jones reported that while speaking with Cassidy, he observed her hands shaking and noticed she was taking quick, shallow breaths.
Jones said he asked Cassidy if there were illegal narcotics inside the vehicle, and she denied having any. The affidavit states that Cassidy denied consent for officers to search the vehicle.
Because Cassidy’s driving status and the vehicle’s location required it to be towed, Jones reported he began an inventory of the vehicle before the tow. During the inventory, officers located an open backpack on the front passenger seat containing a pouch with a plastic bag holding a crystal-like substance, according to the affidavit.
Jones reported the substance appeared to be methamphetamine based on his training and experience. Cassidy was then detained and advised of her Miranda rights, which the affidavit states she understood.
During a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle, officers reported locating two bags containing a crystal-like substance inside the pouch and a glass smoking device with burnt residue inside the backpack.
The suspected drugs were field-tested at the Bedford Police Department, with preliminary results indicating methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to the affidavit. The substance and packaging had a preliminary combined weight of 7 grams.
The affidavit also notes that Cassidy previously pleaded guilty in 2017 to two counts of dealing in methamphetamine.
Cassidy was transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
