In the early hours of November 21, 2023, deputies from the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle with a defective stop light on the driver's side. Upon making contact with the driver, deputies observed unusual behavior, including avoiding eye contact and inconsistencies in the driver's account of events.
The driver was identified as 56-year-old Kenneth Wayne Phillips.
Despite Phillips denying consent to search the vehicle, deputies requested the assistance of a K-9 unit. Shortly thereafter, the K-9 deputy signaled a positive response to the vehicle. Subsequent to this indication, a Probable Cause Search was initiated.
During the search, deputies discovered a clear baggie in the cup holder containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine. Phillips was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office Jail.
Upon conducting a field test, the crystal-like substance tested positive for methamphetamine and was found to weigh 29.0 grams, including packaging. Phillips was booked on charges related to the possession of methamphetamine. Deputies concluded their actions and cleared the scene without further contact.
