BEDFORD – A Bloomington man was arrested Sunday afternoon in Bedford after a traffic stop led police to discover multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine and syringes, according to a Bedford Police Department probable cause affidavit.
Officer Michael Bell reported that he was parked in the median of State Road 37 near Dixie Highway at approximately 2:26 p.m. on August 30 when he observed a green and white pickup truck traveling north.
Bell said the driver appeared rigid, with his arms locked while holding the steering wheel. As he followed the truck, Bell also noticed the driver’s-side brake light was extremely dim.
The officer checked the vehicle’s license plate through law enforcement databases and found it returned to a green 1999 Ford F-250. Bell noted that the truck had a white rear portion and displayed an emblem for a Ford F-350.
The truck continued north on State Road 37 and later began changing lanes near the Fifth Street intersection. According to the affidavit, both driver’s-side tires crossed the yellow line during the lane change, prompting Bell to activate his emergency lights.
The truck stopped in the median.
Bell identified the driver as David A. Hoard, 54, of Bloomington. While speaking with Hoard, Bell reported observing that Hoard’s carotid artery was rapidly pulsating, he was taking short, rapid breaths, and appeared shaky.
Hoard was asked to step out of the vehicle and to accompany Officer Bell to the rear of the truck.
Bell asked Hoard whether there was methamphetamine, heroin, or marijuana inside the vehicle. Hoard denied having any of the substances.
Hoard declined consent to a vehicle search. Bell also noticed Hoard repeatedly placing his hand near his left pants pocket. Hoard told the officer he had a pocket knife. When Hoard began reaching toward the pocket again, Bell instructed him not to grab the knife and ultimately removed it himself.
Hoard was placed in handcuffs while another officer continued the traffic stop.
A male passenger was also removed from the vehicle.
Bell then retrieved his K9 partner, Castiel, and conducted a free-air sniff of the truck. According to the affidavit, Castiel alerted officers to the odor of narcotics near the front passenger door.
Police subsequently conducted a probable cause search of the truck.
Officers found a loose syringe cap in the center console and a bag containing syringes behind the front passenger seat. After seeing the syringes, Hoard reportedly stated, “needle exchange.”
Police then searched Hoard and found an orange glove in his front left pants pocket. Inside the glove, officers allegedly found several plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance.
The tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the affidavit. Police reported a preliminary total weight of 14 grams. The five individual bags reportedly weighed approximately 4 grams, 4 grams, 4 grams, 2 grams, and less than 1 gram.
Hoard was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing.
The vehicle was released to the male passenger with Hoard’s permission, while the evidence was taken to the Bedford Police Department, where it was photographed, packaged, sealed, and placed into evidence storage.
Hoard was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine between 10 and 28 grams and unlawful possession of a syringe.
He was also issued a written warning for failure to maintain his lane.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
