By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities arrested two suspects after traffic stop in Salina.
Just before 9p.m. Wednesday, an officer observed Ethan Cole, 30, of Salina, driving a Honda Civic in the 1200 block of University Place in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.
The officer knew that Cole had a suspended driver's license and made a traffic stop as the vehicle was pulling into a driveway in the 100 block of N. West Place.
Cole and a passenger, Christy Piercy, 29, of Salina, exited the Civic and began walking toward a residence when the officer made Cole get back in the vehicle. While talking with Cole, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana and made Cole get out of the vehicle, Forrester said. As Cole was exiting the vehicle, he allegedly pushed the officer with his left shoulder and elbow and attempted to shut the door. That interaction caused the officer's flashlight to break. The flashlight was valued at $15.
Another officer arrived at the scene and the two officers attempted to handcuff Cole, but a physical altercation ensued, Forrester said. During the altercation, one of the officers was struck in the face, causing his lip to bleed. Additionally, Piercy attempted to pull one of the officers away from Cole, Forrester said. Both Cole and Piercy were then arrested, he said.
Inside the vehicle, officers found a plastic bag with black tar heroin, several baggies of methamphetamine and baggies of marijuana, Forrester said.
Cole is being held o requested charges of Possession of an opiate with intent to distribute, Possession of heroin with intent to distribute, Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Criminal damage to property, Interference with law enforcement officers, Two counts of battery of a law enforcement officer, Three counts of no drug tax stamp
Piercy is jailed on requested charges of Battery of a law enforcement officer and Interference with a law enforcement officer, according to Forrester.