Traffic stop leads to meth charges in Smiths Grove

SMITHS GROVE, Ky. – Three people are facing charges after police say they found methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Smiths Grove.

According to a uniform citation, the Smiths Grove Police Department observed a vehicle just after midnight Thursday exiting the Buc-ee’s parking lot.

Police say the driver, identified as 39-year-old Joshua McCarty of Russellville, was not wearing a seat belt.

Police say they later identified a back passenger as 36-year-old Joshua Smith of Russellville. Authorities say they observed two additional passengers in the vehicle, including a juvenile and 30-year-old Loren Blevins-Lawson.

During a traffic stop, police say they detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Police say McCarty stated he had just smoked marijuana from a vape pen, and he was asked to exit the vehicle. Authorities say he was placed into handcuffs due to not listening to instructions.

Police say during a vehicle search, they located a broken glass pipe, suspected methamphetamine and suspected marijuana.

In addition, police say they located a black backpack containing suspected methamphetamine, which was claimed by Smith.

Police say Blevins-Lawson claimed ownership of suspected marijuana and a separate backpack containing suspected methamphetamine. Blevins-Lawson did not claim ownership of the suspected methamphetamine, according to police.

All three were transported to the Warren County Regional Jail.

Blevins-Lawson faces charges of possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia – buy/possess and first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense (methamphetamine).

McCarty is charged with failure to wear seat belts, failure to dim lights, operating on a suspended or revoked operators license, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, third offense or greater offense (methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia – buy/possess and failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance/security, first offense.

Smith is charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense (methamphetamine) and drug paraphernalia – buy/possess.