By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — An officer’s stop to check on a stranded motorist yielded a drug arrest and service of nearly a dozen warrants in other counties.
Salisbury Police charged Charles Ward, 55, of 200 E. Granite St., Apt. 4, Wednesday with possession of a controlled substance, no operator’s license and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has nine outstanding warrants in Wake County for worthless checks and a warrant for failure to appear in court in New Hanover County.
Ward’s vehicle was pulled over on the side of the road at Club House Drive and West Miller Street shortly before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. A Salisbury Police officer who stopped to check on the driver was told he’d run out of gas and was waiting for a friend.
The officer left, but turned around because the driver seemed nervous, said Capt. Shelia Lingle.
The officer checked the license plate and discovered the driver, Ward, was driving with a suspended license. The officer also found Ward had multiple warrants from other counties.
After searching the vehicle, the officer found a plastic baggie containing a small amount of powder cocaine and a crack pipe, the report said. Ward had taken his hat off before the officer searched and tossed it onto a seat, along with a crack pipe, the report said.
Ward remained in the Rowan County jail Thursday under a $5,200 bond.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.