On Sunday afternoon at approximately 1:05, Kentucky State Trooper Jared Clemons initiated a traffic stop on a Honda RAV traveling 88 mile per hour on the westbound Western Kentucky Parkway near Caneyville.
According to the arrest citation, as Clemons approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, 22-year-old Danara Janay Rhodes, of Hopkinsville, he “could immediately smell the odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle.”
Clemons had Rhodes exit the vehicle, and after being asked by Clemons, Rhodes said she last smoked marijuana “at the gas station with the Taco Bell, in Leitchfield.” Clemons then asked Rhodes if she had been drinking, with Rhodes responding, “No, I’m pregnant.”
While speaking with Rhodes near the rear of his cruiser, and with a male passenger still in the Honda, Clemons said he “heard something that sounded like something had been thrown into the woods next to the parkway.”
After searching the passenger, 23-year-old Deandre Young, also of Hopkinsville, and placing him in the back seat of his cruiser, Clemons asked him what he had thrown into the woods, with Young replying that he had not “thrown anything.”
With Rhodes and Young in the back of his cruiser, Clemons searched the Honda and located a pound of marijuana on the passenger side floor board. According to the arrest citation, Young said the marijuana was his. Clemons also located a half-empty bottle of rum.
After searching the Honda, Clemons performed a field sobriety test on Rhodes, which she failed. Clemons then began searching the woods where he suspected something had been tossed by Young, and located a Taurus .22 semi-auto pistol laying under a tree.
Under questioning, Young said he bought the marijuana in Louisville for $2,700 and was intending to sell it in Logan County. He also said he tossed the handgun from the vehicle because “he got nervous.”
Both suspects were arrested, with Young being charged with trafficking in marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, tampering with physical evidence, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
Rhodes was charged with DUI, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle and speeding 18 mph over limit.
Young and Rhodes were transported to the Grayson County Detention Center. Young remains in custody, while Rhodes has posted bond.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
