BEDFORD – A Bedford man is facing multiple charges after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine, a firearm, and marijuana inside his vehicle on Monday night.
According to the Bedford Police Department, Sgt. Toby Gerkin was on patrol when he observed a Hyundai Santa Fe with an improper license plate traveling west on 16th Street. The license plate, registered to a 1992 Buick Roadmaster, prompted Sgt. Gerkin to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped in the parking lot of the Rocket Fuel on 16th Street.
The driver, Austin M. Manning, 30, of Bedford, told police he had recently purchased the vehicle and had not yet switched the license plates over. Manning also provided his driver’s license and the vehicle’s title in response to the officer’s questions. While speaking with Manning, Sgt. Gerkin noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car, which Manning claimed was due to him smoking marijuana the day before.
Manning was asked to step out of the vehicle while officers conducted a search based on probable cause. During the search, a multi-colored rubber container containing a crystal-like meth was found in the driver’s door. Officers also discovered a Taurus .22LR pistol tucked between the driver’s seat and the center console. Although the pistol’s magazine was loaded, there was no round in the chamber. An additional loaded magazine was found in the center console.
In addition to the drugs and firearm, officers located a package of “Love Savers” gummies, which indicated on the packaging that it contained cannabis. They also found an electronic smoking device with a “Life Savers” logo in Manning’s pocket, containing a wax-like substance.
Manning initially denied ownership of the rubber container, claiming he was unaware of who it belonged to. He suggested someone else had driven his vehicle the previous night and might have left it behind. However, Manning acknowledged responsibility for the contents found in his vehicle.
Manning was placed under arrest and transported to the Bedford Police Department for processing, then taken to the Lawrence County Jail on charges of possession of meth with a firearm and possession of marijuana. His vehicle was inventoried and towed by Stone City Collision.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
