A Richmond Police officer recently observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Bellevue Drive, failing to signal a turn.
After a traffic stop was initiated in the area of 5th Street at Main Street, the officer identified the driver as Christopher Stevens. According to police, Stevens was unable to produce an insurance card. Following a denial of consent to search the vehicle, authorities ordered Stevens to move to the rear of the car.
Police say that Stevens has been known to carry knives, based on previous encounters, which prompted a body search. During the search, a metal cylindrical object was located near the suspect’s groin area. Stevens reportedly denied that there was anything there.
According to the citation, Stevens initially refused to allow the officer retrieve the item in question, but relented after additional police presence was requested. Upon ordering him to slowly produce the item, Stevens removed the container which authorities allegedly discovered to have been housing suspected heroin and methamphetamine.
The officer proceeded to arrest Stevens, additionally discovering a smaller container in his pocket. The contents of the container was said to have been more suspected heroin. A vehicle search yielded a black case containing a syringe filled with a tan-colored liquid, unused syringes, and a spoon with residue.
Stevens was charged with Failure to Signal, Failure to Maintain Insurance, and two charges of 1st Degree Possession of Controlled Substance (Heroin and Methamphetamine).
