Crime Cornerr, Dec. 19

Man jailed for drunk driving

Dustin Tibbits was jailed Dec. 11 and charged with driving under the influence, failure to maintain travel lane and open container in vehicle.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Tibbits’ vehicle when it was observed failing to maintain its travel lane, swerve off the highway then cross the double yellow line into oncoming traffic.

When deputies made contact with Tibbits, they reportedly noticed that he took several seconds to realize they were knocking on the driver’s window of his vehicle. As deputies spoke with Tibbits, they noted he had an odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage emanating from his person.

Deputies also noted in the arrest report that Tibbits had watery, bloodshot eyes and his speech was slurred. When asked how much he had to drink Tibbits reportedly stated, “Six beers.”

Deputies also noticed an open beer can in the center console of the vehicle.

Tibbits was arrested and transported to the Nye County Detention Center and booked.

A preliminary breath test resulted in a .203 percent blood alcohol reading. Deputies conducted two additional readings at the jail which returned with a .266 percent and a .270 percent blood alcohol, respectively. The legal limit is .08 percent.

Woman arrested for drug possession

Jennie Tedford was arrested Dec. 11 and charged with possession of a schedule one controlled substance – heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a schedule one controlled substance with intent to sell.

Detectives conducted a traffic stop for speeding at 11:39 p.m. on Dec. 10 and made contact with the driver and the passenger, identified as Jennie Tedford. Detectives noted in the arrest report that both women are known narcotics users and subsequently requested a deputy with a K-9 to respond.

When Tedford was questioned by deputies, she reportedly gave consent to search her pockets. Tedford was searched and no narcotics were found on her person.

Tedford was placed in the back of the patrol vehicle while the K-9 deputy conducted an exterior search of the vehicle. The K-9 gave a positive indication for narcotics in the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed a prescription tablet found in a purse that belonged to Tedford. The tablet was identified as Clonazepam which is only available by prescription.

Tedford reportedly told deputies that she got the purse from a second-hand store and knew nothing about the pill inside it. Tedford was reportedly advised that she would be charged with possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription if she was not able to provide proof of a valid prescription.

After removing Tedford from the patrol vehicle, one of the deputies checked the back seat where Tedford had been sitting and found an Altoids can that contained 12 loose bindles of a brown substance, suspected of being heroin, which had been individually wrapped in plastic and tin foil as well as a sealed baggy with 15 more bindles of suspected heroin. Deputies also found two small plastic baggies, one containing suspected heroin and the other containing suspected methamphetamine.

Tedford was subsequently arrested and transported to the jail. After being taken into custody, Tedford reportedly denied the heroin belonged to her. However, at the jail, a deputy discovered two straws with residue, a baggy with suspected heroin and a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine in her bra.

The suspected heroin in the Altoid can returned presumptive positive for heroin. The total combined weight of the suspected heroin was 2.7 grams.

A call to the jail revealed that the driver was not arrested.

Compiled by Michelle Hermann, Special to the Pahrump Valley Times