Traffic stop leads to narcotics arrest

On August 8, 2017, at approximately 8:00pm, Picayune Narcotic Detectives conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for improper equipment --emitting white light (broken tail light) near Jackson Landing Road and Highway 11 according to Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri.

Detectives approached the vehicle and were able to identify the driver as Donaciano Ruiz, age 47, of 8 Luke Lane, Picayune, MS. While one of the Narcotics Detectives spoke to Ruiz, the other detective observed a plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance, believed to be cocaine, located in the cubby hole under the radio on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Detectives asked Ruiz to exit the vehicle and detectives recovered the plastic baggie containing the powdery substance. While speaking with Ruiz, detectives noticed a strong smell of an intoxicating beverage coming from Ruiz breath.

Detectives searched the vehicle and found a 25 ounce open beer on the vehicle floorboard and a plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was found in the driver’s side door.

Magri stated that Ruiz was transported to the Criminal Justice Center and consented to a standardized sobriety test. Ruiz was then transported to Highland Community Hospital for a blood test. Ruiz was returned to the Criminal Justice Center and booked with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor), Open Beer, and Emitting White Light. He was also charged with D.U.I.