2 arrested after drugs, gun found at checkpoint

Published 10:31 am Monday, July 15, 2024

By Jay Compton

A Pineville man and woman have been charged with drug possession and trafficking charges after being stopped at a traffic safety checkpoint on Highway 66 early Sunday morning.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the Pineville Police Department was conducting the checkpoint at around 1:15 a.m. Sunday morning July 14. Officer Patrick Brooks states that a small 1995 black Chevrolet approached the checkpoint and the driver, 37-Year-old James Eric Brock of Pineville, told the officer that the vehicle was not insured and he was unable to produce an insurance card, according to a report from WRIL.

The officer added that Brock was exhibiting signs of being under the influence and was administered standard field sobriety tests which determined he was under the influence. During this time Bell County Deputy Keith Fuson deployed his K9 “Steve” which gave a positive alert on the vehicle.
Brock was then placed under arrest and a search of his vehicle revealed more than two grams of a crystal-substance believed to be Methamphetamine along with digital scales. Also found in the vehicle was an off-white substance believed to be Heroin, pressed pills believed to be Fentanyl, and a green leafy substance believed to be Marijuana.

A 9mm handgun was located in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Brock was found to have a prior felony conviction and the handgun had been entered by NCIC as stolen.

James Brock was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with no insurance and failure to produce an insurance card, operating a motor vehicle under the influence – controlled substance – 1st offense, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, receiving stolen property (firearm), trafficking in controlled substance – 1st degree, 2nd or greater (greater than 2 grams – Methamphetamine), possession of controlled substance – 1st degree, 1st offense (Heroin), possession of controlled substance – 1st degree (Fentanyl), and possession of Marijuana. He was also served with a failure to appear warrant.
A passenger in the vehicle, 21-Year-old Ariel Faith Saylor of Pineville, was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center. She was also charged with the same trafficking and possession offenses.
Also assisting on scene was Deputy Hunter Luttrell.

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