Chief Richy Thatcher reports the Feb.26th arrest of two following a traffic stop by a Walnut Ridge Officer for an equipment violation. It was than discovered that the driver, John R. Pyle had a suspended driver’s license and was asked to exit the vehicle.
When the driver exited the vehicle, a rifle fell out of the vehicle onto the ground. Pyle was checked for weapons on his person, as well as the other occupants of the vehicle. A small amount of marijuana was found in a pocket of a passenger identified as John E. Hoffman.
Pyle consented to a search of his vehicle and methamphetamine (Ice) was found along with paraphernalia and another rifle. Both suspects were taken to the Lawrence County Jail where Pyle was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (meth), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs/Firearms along with a traffic offense. Hoffman was charged with misdemeanor Possession of Controlled Substance (Marijuana) and Possession of Instruments of a Crime. Hoffman was issued citations for his charges with a Lawrence County District Court date of April 7th. At a March 2nd Bond Hearing, Pyle was given a $1500.00 Bond and a Lawrence County Circuit Court date of March 23rd.