In the early hours of August 4, 2023, a routine traffic stop on IH-30 EB near the 122 MM led to the discovery of narcotics and a stolen firearm, resulting in the detention and arrest of two individuals from Dallas.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight when a Hopkins County Sheriff's deputy noticed a vehicle with an obscured license plate. The deputy initiated the traffic stop and identified the driver as 21-year-old Niejel Lakes and the passenger as 21-year-old Amarrhe Thompson, both residents of Dallas.
During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, prompting them to conduct a probable cause search. The search revealed an ashtray containing smoked marijuana cigarette ends in the center console cup holder. Additionally, the deputy found a Glock 23 pistol under the driver's seat and a Smith & Wesson M&P in Thompson's purse.
Further inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of a backpack hidden in the rear hatch. Inside the backpack, authorities found a scale, marijuana, and two pill bottles. One of the pill bottles contained several blue M30 pills, suspected to be Oxycontin, with a total approximate weight of 10.82 grams and 99 pills. The other pill bottle contained suspected MDMA pills, with a total approximate weight, including packaging, of 2.68 grams and six pills.
A records check on the Smith & Wesson handgun revealed that it had been reported stolen from the Mesquite Police Department. Consequently, both Lakes and Thompson were detained and read their rights.
During the investigation, Niejel Lakes denied any knowledge of the narcotics discovered in the vehicle. Amarrhe Thompson, on the other hand, admitted to purchasing the firearm from an individual but denied any knowledge of the drugs found.
Subsequently, both individuals were transported to the Hopkins County Jail. Niejel Lakes was charged with the following offenses:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, 4 grams to less than 200 grams
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2, 1 gram to less than 4 grams
- Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon
Amarrhe Thompson also faced charges, including:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, 4 grams to less than 200 grams
- Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2, 1 gram to less than 4 grams
- Theft of a Firearm
The impounded vehicle was later handed over to Bryant's Wrecker Service for safekeeping.
