Routine Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest

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Travis J. Tidwell

Story Published: Mar 7, 2008 at 9:44 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2008 at 10:07 PM CST

Cookeville Police arrested a local man Wednesday night for possession of drugs and driving on a suspended license, following a routine traffic stop.

Officer Robert Cantwell stopped Travis J. Tidwell for a seat belt violation and discovered that Tidwell had been driving on a suspended license since 1998.

“I asked Mr. Tidwell for his license, registration and proof of insurance. Mr. Tidwell stated that he did not have a license because it was suspended,” said Officer Cantwell.

After stepping out of the vehicle and granting permission to be searched, Officer Cantwell discovered a pill bottle in one of Tidwell’s front pockets.

“Upon searching Mr. Tidwell, I felt what I believed to be a pill bottle in his left front pocket. I asked him if I could empty his pocket and he again stated yes. Inside his pocket I found a Crown Royal bag and a pill bottle. I placed Mr. Tidwell in handcuffs and explained that he was not under arrest but that I was detaining him,” said Officer Cantwell.

After reading Tidwell his Miranda rights, Officer Cantwell asked him what the pills were in the bottle.

“Mr. Tidwell stated that most of the pills were Hydrocodone and he bought them for $7 a pill, but he was not sure what the other pills were,” said Officer Cantwell.

Tidwell was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.

The other pills found in the Crown Royal bag were later identified as Xanax and Clonazepam.

The passenger traveling with Tidwell was identified as Jesse Keaton of Cookeville.

A computer check showed that Keaton had an active warrant for his arrest in Putnam County, and he was placed under arrest as well.

Both were transported to the Putnam County Justice Center.

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