MITCHELL – On Friday, May 3, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brenten Trueblood was patrolling on Guthrie Road and Autumn Lane when he noticed a gray pickup with a temporary registration plate, and it returned to David Swafford, 46, of Heltonville, who does not have a valid driver’s license.
Deputy Trueblood initiated a traffic stop by the bridge on Guthrie Road. At first, Swafford would not pull over. After traveling about a fifth of a mile, he pulled over, throwing his hands up and shaking his head.
Officer Andrew Tillett was requested to assist.
Swafford was told why he was being pulled over and asked if anything illegal was in the pickup. Swafford said, “I don’t do drugs, man.” Officers then asked if they could search the truck. Swafford replied, “Yeah bro, can I go home?”
Swafford was asked to step out of the truck, and he again threw his hands into the air. The officer began to pat him down, and he immediately put his hand inside the pocket of his cargo shorts. He was given multiple warnings to keep his hands out of his pockets. In the pocket was a syringe. Swafford again put his hands in his pocket. He was then placed in handcuffs. In the syringe was meth.
Officer Tillett searched the vehicle and found half a strip of suboxone sublingual film in the truck’s bed in a tool bag. When Swafford was asked if he had a prescription for the film, he said he did not.
Swafford was arrested on charges of possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe, and possession of a legend drug.
