Driver faces gun, drug charges after I-82 stop

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A motorist who got stopped on Interstate 82 for having overly tinted windows ended up in the Yakima County jail on drug and weapon charges.

The traffic stop occurred at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, when a Washington State Patrol trooper spotted a blue 2002 Chevrolet Impala on the freeway in Yakima and stopped the driver for having windows that were tinted too dark.

The trooper reported the 34-year-old Wapato driver appeared to be intoxicated and that there was an open can of beer in the center console.

The trooper also reported the car's interior smelled strongly of marijuana and that a drug dog sensed drugs in the car. When the driver refused to allow a search, the trooper got a warrant by telephone.

Under the driver's seat was a loaded -- and stolen -- Sig Sauer P229 .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol, along with two loaded clips in the console, according to court records.

Troopers also reported the discovery of a one-quart jar containing marijuana on the floorboard in the back seat as well as a small plastic baggie in the trunk containing residue that tested positive for cocaine.

The driver was booked on charges of possession of more than 40 grams of marijuana and possession of a stolen gun.

He remains lodged on bail of $100,000 while prosecutors mull charges in the case.