A Leesburg man was taken into custody Tuesday night after a traffic stop led deputies to discover methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside his vehicle.
According to a report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Aaron Keith Powell was driving a black car with a non-functioning tag light near Thomas Avenue and Montclair Road around 9 p.m. A deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but before he could, Powell pulled into a nearby business. Moments later, the deputy spotted the same car heading north on Thomas Avenue and eventually stopped it after it turned onto Griffin Road.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy reported smelling unburnt marijuana. Powell claimed the driver-side window was damaged and opened the passenger door instead. He stated he had a medical marijuana card but failed to provide proof when asked.
Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and found a clear sandwich-style bag containing 2.21 grams of methamphetamine in the center console. They also located digital scales, which are frequently used to weigh narcotics.
The report also noted that Powell appeared to be trying to hide something near the center console during the initial interaction. He later admitted to pulling into the parking lot because he believed the deputy was coming after him.
Powell was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Lake County Jail with bond set at $3,500.
