A traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle with expired tags resulted in the arrest of the driver on felony and misdemeanor drug charges early Friday.
Rachel Denise Arvizu, 26, who lists a Trivista Right address, was taken into custody shortly after 1:30 a.m. and charged with felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, meth, and possession of drug paraphernalia, each punishable by up to six years in prison, and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, punishable by up to one year in jail.
According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly after 1 a.m., Hot Springs police Officer Jason Greene spotted a red Hyundai Accent on the parking lot of the El Rancho Motel, 1611 Central Ave.
As he pulled up, a woman ran from the vehicle and then the car pulled away without headlights or brake lights. Greene noted the license plate was expired so he stopped the car and made contact with the driver, identified as Arvizu, and a male passenger.
As he approached the driver's side window, Greene said he could smell the odor of marijuana burning. Arvizu reportedly admitted she had smoked recently and had a pipe in a bag on the floorboard. Officers located the pipe with marijuana residue and also found a canvas pouch in the glove department containing two more glass pipes and a shortened straw, all with suspected meth residue.
Without being asked, Arvizu reportedly stated all the pipes belonged to her so she was taken into custody. The affidavit notes neither Arvizu or her passenger had a medical marijuana card.
While searching Arvizu at the Garland County Detention Center, deputies allegedly found a plastic baggie in the front of her pants which contained 1.4 grams of what later tested positive for meth.
Arvizu, who lists no prior felony history, was also cited for driving without tags and given a warning for driving with no headlights. She was being held on bonds totaling $6,000 and was set to appear Friday in Garland County District Court.
Local on 10/26/2019