BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested early on Sunday, June 8, at a Marathon Gas Station after a store clerk reported a suspicious vehicle.
The subsequent investigation led to charges of possession of a narcotic drug (heroin) and unlawful possession of a syringe.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., Deputy C. Pruett of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department was getting gas at the Marathon station in the 3000 block of State Road 37 when a clerk asked him to check on a person, later identified as Ryan D. Lane, 28, of Bedford, who had been sitting in his black 2008 Ford Focus at a gas pump for about 45 minutes without exiting the vehicle.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Pruett observed Lane slumped over the steering wheel. As Lane rose after the deputy knocked on the window, the deputy saw a used hypodermic syringe on Lane’s lap. Lane quickly swept the syringe and other items from his lap before opening the door.
When questioned, Lane stated he was fine and waiting for his girlfriend. Regarding the syringe, Lane claimed he was going to throw it away and admitted he had used it to inject heroin a few hours earlier.
Lane was placed in handcuffs, read his Miranda Warnings, and declined medical assistance. He consented to a search of his vehicle. Sgt. W. Anderson arrived to assist in the search.
During the search, the syringe was located on the front passenger floorboard. A white piece of paper, folded multiple times, was found on the driver’s side floor. This paper contained a purple powdery substance that field-tested positive for heroin and weighed 1.34 grams. Lane reportedly told officers he obtained the heroin from a person in Orleans.
Lane was arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Jail. His vehicle was towed from the scene.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
