Suspect walks in on drug raid

By Eloria Newell James, community@leadercall.com

Sat, May 17 2008

— A Laurel man is behind bars following a three-month investigation by the Laurel Police Department’s Narcotics Division.
Travis Thompson, 23, of 121 N. 18th Avenue was taken into custody by law enforcement officials Tuesday near his home.
LPD Narcotics Agent Vince Williams said Wednesday that he, along with Sgt. Robert Strickland and Investigator Earl Reed, made the arrest.
Williams said officers were executing a search warrant at Thompson’s house when “Strickland and Reed, who were standing outside, observed Thompson coming to the residence and attempted to flag him down.”
Williams said Thompson didn’t stop and officers had to chase him. The officers reported stopping Thompson in a traffic stop “a couple of blocks from the residence.”
Thompson was then asked to exit the vehicle, according to officers.
“Once he was out of the vehicle, he was searched and a small bag of marijuana was in his pocket,” Williams said. “Then, we searched the vehicle, where we found other drugs.”
Williams said 16 grams of powder cocaine and 75 Ecstasy tablets were found between the two front seats of the vehicle. Officials said the cocaine has a street value of about $600 while the pills are valued at about $800.
Police officers also reported finding $500 in cash, which was also seized.
Williams said Thompson was then placed under arrest and officers returned to the residence to continue the execution of the search warrant.
Williams said at the residence, officers found two digital scales with narcotics residue on them.
According to officials, Thompson was booked into the Jones County Adult Detention Center where he has been charged with one count of the possession of Ecstasy with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Officials said Thompson’s arrest was the result of about three months of investigations and the cooperation of citizens.
“We ran some surveillance and we also received anonymous tips from citizens,” Williams said. “We appreciate the assistance we get from residents. ... We can’t be everywhere at once. So, we rely on the citizens to give us some help, and we appreciate the calls.”
Officials said Thompson is expected to be arraigned in Laurel Municipal Court today. As part of that court appearance, a revocation hearing for Thompson will also be conducted. At the time of his arrest on Tuesday, Thompson was on parole in connection with a previous charge.

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