Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest in Kill Devil Hills

Traffic Stop Ends in Drug Arrest in Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills, N.C. – A routine traffic stop turned into a bit more than expected for local law enforcement on Wednesday night when officers seized a controlled substance during a safety checkpoint. It all happened around 9:15 p.m. when deputies set up a checkpoint on Colington Road, not far from the iconic First Flight Airstrip.

Safety Checkpoint in Action

The purpose of the checkpoint was to conduct license checks on drivers. Officers were especially on the lookout for those driving without a valid license and looking to ensure the safety of the roads for everyone. Most drivers passed through without a hitch, but then came one particular vehicle that would soon have officers on alert.

During the stop, officers decided to bring in a K-9 unit to sniff around the vehicle. The canine’s keen senses are often used in traffic stops to detect illegal substances and, in this case, the dog did exactly what it was trained to do—alert officers to the presence of a controlled substance.

The Find

Following the K-9’s indication, officers proceeded with a search of the vehicle. It wasn’t long before they discovered items that raised eyebrows, including methamphetamine and various pieces of drug paraphernalia. With these items in hand, they had all the evidence they needed for further action.

Charges and Arrest

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 33-year-old Sarah Gist. After assessing her condition, officers suspected she might have been driving under the influence of drugs. A trained Drug Recognition Expert evaluated her, leading to several charges. Gist was arrested and now faces serious allegations. The charges include:

• Felony possession of methamphetamine
• Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia
• DWI-Drugs

She was promptly issued a $5,000 secured bond and taken into custody. For Gist, what started as an ordinary drive ended up being quite the wake-up call.

Community Awareness

This incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance of local law enforcement in keeping the community safe. Traffic checkpoints like the one on Colington Road not only help catch those driving without licenses but also act as a significant deterrent against driving under the influence.

As always, the community is encouraged to stay informed and aware. If you’re ever unsure about what to do during a traffic stop, remember to be calm, keep your hands visible, and follow the instructions of the officers.

Looking ahead, updates on this situation will continue to roll in, so for those interested in how things develop, keeping an eye on community news will be beneficial. It’s essential to stay informed and engaged with local happenings.

In the meantime, whether you’re a resident of Kill Devil Hills or just visiting, it’s best to stay safe on the roads and always ensure that you’re following the rules of the road. Here’s to safer driving for everyone!

Author: HERE Outer Banks