Police find stolen car; two face drug charges
The discovery of a stolen car in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn in Texarkana, Ark., has led to drug charges for two defendants.
Members of the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department responding to a call on the morning of July 1 at the Red Roof Inn at 5300 State Line Ave. discovered a silver Mercury Grand Marquis reported stolen in Sulphur Springs, Texas, according to a search warrant affidavit. Officers learned from the manager that the occupants of Room 132 had been seen driving the car.
When officers made contact with two men in Room 132, they allegedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana and observed a “bong,” a water pipe used to smoke the drug, in plain view.
“Due to the evidence in plain view and prior knowledge of the Red Roof Inn as a breeding ground for drug activity, I am led to believe there are more narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside Red Roof Inn room 132,” the search warrant affidavit states.
After returning to the motel with a search warrant, officers allegedly discovered marijuana, methamphetamine, and paraphernalia associated with the use of both drugs. Also found were digital scales and bags commonly used in packaging illegal drugs for sale. Several cellphones were also seized during the search.
Arrested in the case were Raven Terrell Cooper, 26, and Lonnie Harris, 29.
Cooper is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail is set at $20,000. Cooper remains in custody and is scheduled to appear July 23 in Miller County Circuit Court.
Harris is free on a $30,000 bond and scheduled to appear in Miller County Circuit Court July 23. Harris is charged with theft by receiving, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.