North Carolina Man Arrested after Traffic Stop on I-40 in Putnam County
Saturday, February 19, 2011 | 06:07am
NASHVILLE --- A Tennessee State Trooper making a traffic stop in Putnam County Thursday uncovers marijuana, LSD, cocaine and other illegal drugs.
On Thursday, February 17, 2011, at approximately 11:12 a.m., Trooper Michael Robertson stopped a green 1998 Saturn SL2 for following to close to another vehicle at mile marker 283 eastbound on I-40.
When Trooper Robertson approached the vehicle, he smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from within the vehicle. The driver and sole occupant, Ryan L. Robinette, 20, of Charlotte, N. C., indicated he was traveling from Colorado to his home in Charlotte. Trooper Robertson requested consent to search the vehicle. After consent to search was refused, Trooper Robertson requested the assistance of Trooper Michael Loftis, whose K9 received a positive response on the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle, with assistance from Lieutenant Burch Avera and Trooper Bobby Barker, revealed a back pack containing several jars of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Robinette stated that was all the contraband he possessed. However, a further search of the vehicle uncovered four pounds of marijuana and eleven hash oil chewables in the trunk. On the right front floor board, Troopers discovered 15 blotters of LSD, four grams of powder ecstasy, two grams of cocaine, and two containers of hash oil.
Robinette is charged with possession of schedule 1, 2 and 6 for resale. He was booked in the Putnam County Justice Center on $15,000 bond. The vehicle and drugs were seized in accordance with state law. Photos of the suspect can be obtained from the Putnam 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.