Hermiston police seized more than 15 ounces of what is believed to be crystal meth along with a pair of guns during a traffic stop on Sunday.
Around 3:45 p.m. on Sunday a Hermiston Police Department officer spotted a vehicle believed to have been involved in a possible theft at Wal-Mart from earlier in the day. As the officer positioned himself to follow the yellow 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, the driver increased his speed and began making abrupt and careless lane changes along Highway 395, according to Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston.
A traffic stop was conducted in the 700 block of South Highway 395 and the driver was identified as Tom R. Carroll, 31, of 2712 NE Riverside Ave. #64, Pendleton. Carroll was operating the vehicle with a suspended license and had no proof of insurance.
According to Edmiston, inside the vehicle were several used syringes and approximately 15.3 ounces of a crystal‐like substance believed to be methamphetamine. Also located in the vehicle were a Smith & Wesson 40-caliber handgun and a bolt action 25.06 Winchester rifle.
Carroll was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, possession of a weapon by a felon, and numerous traffic-related charges. Carroll was later lodged at the Umatilla County Jail in Pendleton.
“This is a great example of how transitory controlled substances and weapons can be in our society,” Edmiston said. “Though it is unfortunate yet another person not living in this area chooses to come to our community and engage in illegal activity, I am proud of the efforts from our patrol division constantly being vigilant and not cowering to people such as this.”
