A routine traffic stop on Monday night in Hopkins County led to the arrest of 35-year-old Juan Antonio Banuelos-Rios of Sulphut Springs after deputies found methamphetamine and a handgun in his possession.
Just before 10:00 PM, Deputy Foley of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle traveling 72 mph in a 65 mph zone on State Highway 19 North near FM 71. During the stop, Banuelos-Rios, the driver, displayed signs of nervousness, including shaking hands and avoiding eye contact.
After consenting to a search of his pockets, Deputy Foley located a clear baggie containing 0.871 grams of a crystal-like substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine. Banuelos-Rios was arrested, read his Miranda rights, and secured in the patrol vehicle.
A subsequent search of the car revealed a Colt handgun on the passenger seat. Banuelos-Rios now faces charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance 1/1-B and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.