Three arrested on DUI, drug charges following traffic stop

A traffic stop on Hwy. 92 E over the weekend resulted in the seizure of a large amount of marijuana and prescription pills by police, and the arrest of three people on drug-related charges.

According to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell, Deputy Kirk Mays and Detective Sgt. Tim Baker stopped a green Chevrolet Cavalier on Hwy. 92 E while on routine patrol. Police say the occupants inside “appeared extremely nervous” when asked if there was anything illegal inside the vehicle.

K-9 police dog “Blitz” was used and alerted to the passenger side of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, 45-year-old Kathy Price, of Williamsburg, also failed field sobriety tests.

Baker searched a passenger in the vehicle, 36-year-old Lester Watson, of Williamsburg, and discovered a bag of pills in his pocket. Another passenger, 49-year-old Ronnie Croley, of Williamsburg, was found to have three pills in a wrapper.
Inside the vehicle, police discovered approximately a quarter lb. of marijuana.

Authorities say Price admitted to taking both hydrocodone and Percocet. She was charged with DUI and for having a rear license plate that was not illuminated.

Watson was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and was also arrested on an outstanding bench warrant.

Croley was charged with second-degree possession of a controlled substance.

During the investigation, police seized a total of 15 hydrocodone pills with a street value of $150, four Percocet pills with a street value of $48 and marijuana valued at around $500.

All three suspects have been released from jail on $750 surety bonds.

Mays and Baker were assisted in their investigation by Deputies Joe Prewitt, Ken Shepherd and Shawn Jackson.