Deputies find meth in car with kids

A 911 call about a man passed out in his SUV with children inside led to the arrest of Corbin man on drug and traffic-related charges Sunday.

Twenty-nine-year-old Derek C. Mills was arrested outside Bell Country Store on U.S. 25.

According to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell, Deputy Jonas Saunders was called to the store about 4 p.m. where he found Mills behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

“In the SUV were two children under the age of 10,” Harrell said.

Saunders said the windows of the SUV were down; adding the temperature outside was 75 degrees.

Saunders said Mills showed signs of being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Williamsburg Police K9 Officer Elijah Hunter responded to the scene with his K9.

Harrell said the K9 alerted to the presence of illegal substances in the vehicle.

Saunders reported finding a hypodermic needle and a clear baggie with more than nine grams of a crystal substance believed to be “ice” methamphetamine. In addition, Saunders reported finding Suboxone in the vehicle.

Mills was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – methamphetamine, two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, public intoxication – controlled substance, improper registration and expired registration.

Mills was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center where he is being held on a $50,000 cash bond.

Social Services were called to the scene to ensure the safety of the children.

Whitley County Deputy Sgt. Kirk Mays assisted at the scene.