On December 13, 2024, a routine traffic stop by Cpl. Zack Steward of the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office resulted in the arrest of a man for possessing methamphetamine. The incident took place at the EZ Mart on Helm Lane when Cpl. Steward noticed a red Ford truck with expired license plates.
After running a records check, Cpl. Steward confirmed the vehicle had expired plates and initiated a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, the driver, identified as Freddy Laureana-Guzman, was asked to provide his identification. Due to a language barrier, Cpl. Steward requested assistance from a Spanish-speaking officer.
While waiting for support, Cpl. Steward noticed a rolled-up piece of paper inside Laureana-Guzman’s wallet. Suspecting the presence of illegal contraband, Cpl. Steward asked Laureana-Guzman to step out of the vehicle, and the wallet was secured for further inspection.
When unrolling the paper, Cpl. Steward found a plastic baggie containing a crystal-like substance. Subsequent testing confirmed it was methamphetamine, weighing approximately 1.30 grams, including the packaging.
Laureana-Guzman was arrested and taken into custody. A search of the vehicle yielded no additional contraband. He was transported to the Hopkins County Jail, where he was booked on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B ≥1G<4G.
