BEDFORD – Walter C. Root, 59, of Bedford, faces serious charges following his arrest on Saturday, September 14. Root was taken into custody after a routine traffic stop revealed substantial amounts of illegal drugs and led to additional charges of resisting law enforcement.
The incident began when Bedford Police Department Sergeant Toby Gerkin spotted Root riding a blue Harley Davidson motorcycle on Lincoln Avenue. Root’s driving records revealed he lacked a valid motorcycle endorsement or learner’s permit. Officer Gerkin initiated a traffic stop as Root entered the Dairyland Gas Station at 431 Lincoln Avenue.
Upon approaching Root, Sergeant Gerkin noted a strong odor of marijuana. When questioned, Root initially denied possessing any marijuana but later admitted to having a small quantity in his motorcycle’s saddlebag. His admission came after several officers, including Officer Tedrow and Major Swanson, arrived on the scene and also detected the odor of marijuana.
As officers prepared to search the motorcycle, Root became increasingly uncooperative. He resisted being restrained by tensing his arms and trying to pull away. After a brief struggle, Root was handcuffed and placed in Officer Tedrow’s patrol car.
The subsequent search of the motorcycle yielded significant findings:
- A metal tin containing 12 grams of marijuana and a cigarette rolling device.
- A zip-up pouch with a glass smoking device and a glass container holding a crystal-like substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing approximately two grams.
- A plastic bag found in Root’s vest pocket containing a rock-like substance, which tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride, with a preliminary weight of 15 grams.
The total drug haul includes over 10 grams of cocaine, two grams of methamphetamine, and 12 grams of marijuana.
While in custody, Root was advised of his Miranda rights but chose not to make a statement. He was transported to the Lawrence County Jail on charges of possession of cocaine over 10 grams, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.
Stone City Wrecker Service towed the motorcycle.
This arrest underscores the Bedford Police Department’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crime in the community.
