BEDFORD — A Salem man faces multiple felony drug charges after Bedford police say a traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with items investigators believe are consistent with drug dealing.
Eric J. Kern, 51, of Salem, was taken into custody Aug. 17 and faces charges of dealing in methamphetamine, dealing in a narcotic drug, possession of methamphetamine between 10 and 28 grams, possession of a narcotic drug between 10 and 28 grams, possession of paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a syringe, according to a Bedford Police Department probable cause affidavit.
According to the affidavit, Officer J. Landon Jones was on patrol at about 2:34 p.m. Aug. 17 near U.S. 50 East and Tunnelton Road when he observed a black Mercedes-Benz sedan stopped at a red light.
Jones said he had observed the vehicle earlier in the day parked in front of a location known to police as a drug location. He also said the Indiana license plate on the Mercedes returned to a 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
After the Mercedes turned onto Tunnelton Road, Jones said a large amount of white smoke came from the vehicle’s exhaust, temporarily obstructing his view. Jones initiated a traffic stop, and the driver pulled into the parking area at Brookside Park.
As the vehicle entered the park, Jones said he observed the driver making rapid movements between the passenger and driver’s seats.
The driver was identified as Kern. According to the affidavit, Kern told Jones a woman had given him permission to drive the Mercedes and identified the vehicle’s owner as a man named “Josh,” but was unable to provide his last name. Kern also identified the woman who allegedly gave permission to drive the vehicle, while clarifying that she owned the license plate attached to the Mercedes.
Kern was unable to produce paperwork for the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Jones said Kern appeared nervous during the stop, with rapid breathing, a visibly pulsating carotid artery and jittery hands. Kern told Jones he had pocket knives with him.
Jones later asked Kern whether he had illegal narcotics in the vehicle or on his person. Kern denied having any and declined to give consent to a search of the vehicle.
A Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office deputy subsequently arrived with a K9. At about 2:43 p.m., the dog reportedly alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the Mercedes.
Police then detained Kern and conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.
During the search, officers located a black backpack on the passenger seat within Kern’s reach, according to the affidavit. Officers also recovered six individually packaged baggies containing a crystal-like substance from Kern’s left pocket.
The substance was field-tested and produced preliminary positive results for methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to police. The six baggies had a combined weight of 24 grams, with each baggie weighing approximately 4 grams.
Inside the backpack, officers allegedly found a sharps container containing sterile water, cotton balls, metal caps and a syringe. Police also found a large number of used and unused syringes, a scale with crystal-like residue and numerous empty small plastic baggies.
Police also recovered a cell phone from the vehicle’s center console.
According to the affidavit, officers seized $246 from Kern’s wallet and two cell phones. Police said a search warrant request would be submitted for the phones.
Jones stated in the affidavit that, based on his training and experience, the suspected methamphetamine, scale and empty baggies were consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Kern was placed in custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
The charges are allegations, and Kern is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
