By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — An officer stopping to check on a stranded motorist yielded a drug arrest and 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 failure to appear warrant in New Hanover County.
Ward’s vehicle was pulled over onto 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 remains in the Rowan County jail under a $5,200 bond.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.