YOUNGSTOWN  A traffic stop Wednesday afternoon led to drug possession charges for a Youngstown man, according to a report from the Youngstown Police Department.

An officer pulled over a black Ford Expedition near Overland Avenue and West Delason Avenue for failing to use a turn signal earlier.

During the stop, the officer noted the driver’s nervous behavior, including shaking hands and stuttering. Another officer and his K-9 partner were summoned to the scene to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle.

Drug dogs are legally permitted a “free sniff” packages, people, luggage, and vehicles so long as the K9 keeps his or her nose from touching a person, vehicle, luggage, or package, meaning the K9 is sniffing "free air."  

When the driver, 27-year-old Dante Pete was asked to step out of the vehicle, the officer said he spotted a plastic bag containing pills in plain view in the driver's side door. Pete identified the pills as Percocet.

 

Dante Pete
Dante Pete  

After Police say the K-9 indicated the possible presence of narcotics, the SUV was searched.  

According to the police report, a backpack found in the vehicle contained 14 packets of marijuana, two “large” bags of marijuana, two Ziploc bags of marijuana. Several pills were also found in the driver's side door.

Officers also found and seized $254 from Pete. The vehicle was released to Pete's girlfriend at the scene.

Pete was taken to the Mahoning County Justice Center and charged with possession of Schedule II drugs (oxycodone) and possession of Schedule IV drugs (Percocet).

He also received a traffic ticket for a turn signal violation. His court date is scheduled for Friday in Youngstown Municipal Court.