By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
A traffic stop led to the arrest of two Salinans on multiple requested charges, including drug possession and battery of a law enforcement officer Wednesday.
At approximately 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, an officer observed Ethan Cole, 30, of Salina, driving a Honda Civic in the 1200 block of University Place. The officer knew that Cole had a suspended driver's license and made a traffic stop as the vehicle was pulling into a driveway in the 100 block of N. West Place, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.
Cole and a passenger, Christy Piercy, 29, of Salina, exited the Civic and began walking toward a residence when the officer made Cole get back in the vehicle. While talking with Cole, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana and made Cole get out of the vehicle, Forrester said. As Cole was exiting the vehicle, he allegedly pushed the officer with his left shoulder and elbow and attempted to shut the door. That interaction caused the officer's flashlight to break. The flashlight was valued at $15.
Another officer arrived at the scene and the two officers attempted to handcuff Cole, but a physical altercation ensued, Forrester said. During the altercation, one of the officers was struck in the face, causing his lip to bleed. Additionally, Piercy attempted to pull one of the officers away from Cole, Forrester said. Both Cole and Piercy were then arrested, he said.
Inside the vehicle, officers found a plastic bag with black tar heroin, several baggies of methamphetamine, and several baggies of marijuana, Forrester said.
Cole was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.
●Possession of an opiate with intent to distribute
●Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
●Possession of drug paraphernalia
●Criminal damage to property
●Interference with law enforcement officers
●Two counts of battery of a law enforcement officer
●Three counts of no drug tax stamp
Piercy was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.
●Battery of a law enforcement officer
●Interference with a law enforcement officer