Reckless Driving Leads to Felony Bust

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT – A 42-year-old Crockett woman is facing felony charges after she was pulled over for reckless driving on Friday, Oct. 27.

Susan Elaine Ward was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, driving with an invalid license and possession of narcotic paraphernalia after she was pulled over “… near Highway 21 at East State Loop 304 because of reckless driving,” a probable cause affidavit reported.

The probable cause document indicated once Crockett Police Department Officer Damarcus Williams made contact the driver – later identified as Ward – she “… exhibited mannerisms consistent with people who used methamphetamines.”

When Williams ran Ward’s information, it showed she had an invalid license. Given her mannerisms and Ward’s license status, Ward was asked about any history of drug abuse.

“Ward admitted that she had been in trouble in the past, but that she quit,” the affidavit stated.

CPD Sgt. Alfredo Fajardo was also at the scene – and while talking with Ward – he noticed a square object in her mouth, the report stated.

The square object was removed and was determined to be a pink bag with some type of substance inside. The affidavit indicated “… the bag contained a visible layer of suspected methamphetamine and small crystals could be seen in it even though the suspect had been chewing on it.”

“When asked about chewing the bag,” the affidavit continued, “Ward stated she that she did it because she didn’t want to get in trouble. Officers also found another bag identical to the one in Ward’s mouth, inside the center console.”

Officers also found a meth pipe inside of a glass of tea Ward was drinking, along with a marijuana pipe inside of her purse, the report stated.

Ward was charged with: possession of a controlled substance (state jail felony); tampering with evidence (third degree felony); driving with an invalid license (Class B misdemeanor); and possession of narcotic paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).

According to Section 12.34 of the Texas Penal Code, “An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 10 years or less than two years. In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.”

A state jail felony is punishable by “… confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days. In addition to confinement, an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000,” Section 12.35 of the Texas Penal Code states.

Ward is being held at the Houston County Jail on a total bond of $17,252.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].

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