LPD officers reported finding methamphetamine and marijuana when a Linton man, allegedly driving in an impaired state on a suspended license, was stopped for an expired license plate.

Paul R. Pearson, 55, Linton, was arrested by Officer Cayden Walker of the Linton Police Department last Saturday night, October 2.

Pearson was the driver of a gray and black 1992 Dodge Dakota that was pulled over for expired plates. Officer Walker conducted the traffic stop in the area of 8th Street SW and A Street SW in Linton last Saturday a few minutes before 7 p.m.

Officer Walker said Pearson drove a couple of extra blocks before stopping but Pearson later said he wasn’t trying to run, he was just trying to get his vehicle to his driveway so it couldn’t be towed.

During the stop, Pearson admitted he did not have a license and a records check revealed it was suspended with a prior conviction.

Officer Walker reported Pearson showed signs of impairment and was asked to perform standard field sobriety tests but failed all. Officer Walker said Pearson had quick speech, quick jittery movements and was unable to hold still. Pearson allegedly also had poor balance, poor dexterity and his eyes were bloodshot.

Pearson denied consent to search his vehicle and he denied a request for a blood draw so search warrants were issued.

After it became apparent the vehicle was going to be searched, Pearson allegedly said he wasn’t going to lie and that he used methamphetamine to get through the day.

When the vehicle was searched by Officer Walker and LPD Officer Bobby Pierce, they reported finding two zip bags containing a white crystal substance, a burnt plant material and a hand-rolled cigarette containing burnt plant material. The white crystal substance field-tested positive as methamphetamine. They also reported finding a digital scale with a white powder residue.

Pearson was transported to Greene County General Hospital for a blood draw – results pending, then to the Greene County Jail where he was booked in at 10:26 p.m. He was being held without bond pending court appearance.

Pearson is facing criminal charges of:

• Resisting law enforcement – using a vehicle, a Level 6 felony,

• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a Class C misdemeanor,

• Operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in body, a Class C misdemeanor,

• Possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, and

• Possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor.