Published: August 23, 2008 04:15 pm         

Agencies work together in drug fight

Danie M. Huffman

wdreporter2@yahoo.com

When an investigation erupts and law enforcement agencies need outside or additional help, they call on other local agencies.

Sometimes the agency needs equipment or tools to complete the investigation and make an arrest. Others times, it may be manpower which is needed.

Agencies within Parker County are known to make their officers and equipment available upon request.

Thursday night, a traffic stop yielded an arrest, which was made possible by local law enforcement cooperation.

Weatherford Police Officer Brett Stagner pulled a man over around 10 p.m. for speeding in the 100 block of East Bridge Street.

According to a police report, Stagner asked for consent to search the vehicle and the driver, identified as Charles Albert Jenkins, 24, of Graford, agreed to the search.

Weatherford Police Detective Wendy Field said Stagner searched the car finding a small amount of methamphetamine, marijuana and various drug paraphernalia.

The report stated the officers found a white powdery substance suspected as meth. A field test was conducted, testing positive for the drug.

“Whenever officers find a suspected drug, they often do a field test on the substance in order to determine if the substance is illegal or not,” Field said.

Upon a further search, officers found additional drug paraphernalia and a five-inch, double-edge dagger in a leather sheath.

Although a request for outside help in searching the gas tank for additional evidence did not turn up any drugs, Hudson Oaks gladly made the trip across city lines.

Hudson Oaks Police used a gas tank “snake” camera to search the tank, which is not available to Weatherford officers.

Hudson Oaks Police Capt. Brandon Mayberry said Police Officer Brian Schaechtel responded to the call, and is certified to use the camera after attending a drug interdiction school.

“We’re always willing to help any agency in Parker County,” Mayberry said. “We’ll come assist if it’s at all possible. It’s an occurrence which happens frequently.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety and Parker County Sheriff’s deputies also assisted in the stop and arrest as a courtesy.

Jenkins was arrested and taken to the Parker County Justice Center. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance and for possessing a prohibited weapon. His bail was set at $9,000. As of press time, he remained in custody.

     

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