THP Trooper Makes Cocaine Seizure in Hickman County on I-40
Thursday, February 10, 2011 | 03:37am
NASHVILLE --- A Tennessee State Trooper making a traffic stop in Hickman County Tuesday morning discovers more than a half pound of cocaine.
On Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at approximately 10:52 a.m., Trooper Michael Kilpatrick stopped a 2010 Chrysler Town & Country van with Pennsylvania tags at mile marker 158 eastbound on I-40 for following too close to another vehicle.
When Trooper Kilpatrick questioned the driver and passenger, both appeared to become nervous and provided conflicting stories about travel plans. Trooper Kilpatrick then requested assistance from the 21st Drug Task Force. Task Force Agent Scott Owens arrived on the scene and Trooper Kilpatrick asked for consent to search the vehicle. After consent to search was refused, Trooper Kilpatrick deployed his K-9 which gave a positive response. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 9 ounces of cocaine in the center console.
Driver Damion L. Chainey, 28, and passenger Ricardo I. Clavijo, Jr., 28, both of Pleasantivlle, New Jersey, are charged with possession of schedule 2 cocaine for resale. Both were booked in the Hickman County jail on $75,000 bond.
The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country van was rented out of Pleasantville, New Jersey. The drugs were seized in accordance with state law. Photos of the drug seizure are attached. Photos of the suspects can be obtained from the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
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