Local man arrested for drugs after traffic stop

The Picayune Police Department Narcotics Division Detectives were conducting proactive patrolling on November 7, 2018, at approximately 6:16pm in the area of South Beech Street and Palestine Road, when they observed a gray Hyundai Elantra leave the roadway several times according to a press release from Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri.

At this time, Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle for Careless Driving. When Detectives approached the vehicle, the driver, identified as Dustin Michael Gray, age 23, of 1600 6th Avenue, Picayune, exited the vehicle and became combative by attempting to strike the Detectives in the face with a closed fist. The passenger in the vehicle fled the scene on foot.

While conducting a search of the vehicle, Detectives located a green leafy substance believed to be Marijuana in the front driver side door as well as $847.00 of miscellaneous bills of U.S. Currency. At this time, Gray was placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misd), Careless Driving, and Resisting Arrest by Fighting according to the press release.

Gray was transported to the Criminal Justice Center and as he exited the patrol unit, the transporting patrol officer located a large clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be Hydroponic Marijuana, valued at $650.00, underneath the seat where Gray was allegedly sitting.

Gray was then subsequently charged with Possession of Controlled Substance With Intent to Distribute Within 1500 feet of a Church. The currency was seized due to being within close proximity of illegal narcotics according to the press release.