FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A routine traffic stop in Fayette County turned into a serious drug and firearm bust after a woman was found in possession of methamphetamine and a handgun.
At approximately 8:22 p.m. on Friday, Deputy First Class T.L. Farley II with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on Belle Creek Road after spotting a black Chevrolet Equinox without a valid inspection sticker and with improper registration. The vehicle stopped near Clonch Industries Sawmill, where the deputy made contact with the driver, Danielle Johnson.
Johnson was unable to provide valid proof of registration and admitted that the vehicle was improperly registered. During the stop, Johnson appeared visibly nervous and eventually disclosed that there may be marijuana roaches in the car and that a .22 caliber Walther handgun was also inside.
After retrieving the firearm and two marijuana roaches with the assistance of Gauley Bridge Police Patrolman G. Holstein, Deputy Farley conducted a search of the vehicle, discovering a bag containing a chrome canister filled with a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine. The bag also contained items identifying it as Johnson’s.
While in custody and after waiving her Miranda rights, Johnson admitted to being a drug user who had relapsed two months ago. Authorities determined she was illegally in possession of both methamphetamine and a firearm as a known user and habitual addict of controlled substances.
