Passenger in vehicle allegedly attempts to swallow bag of cocaine during traffic stop

A traffic stop by a Broxton Police Department officer led to an arrest after the passenger of the vehicle attempted to swallow a plastic bag containing suspected cocaine in front of the officer. 

The incident occurred on earlier this month when a BPD officer conducted a traffic stop on a red GMC pickup for the driver's failure to maintain lane. The officer spoke to the driver and asked if she had consumed any alcoholic beverages prior to driving, and she stated that she had not. According to the report, a K-9 detected narcotics inside the vehicle. An officer then spoke with the passenger, identified as Charlie Smith Sr. of Broxton. The officer reported that he observed that Smith had "something" in his mouth at the time and asked him what it was. Smith was then advised to open his mouth, and he then attempted to swallow the substance. 

The report states that Smith was told again to spit out the object in his mouth but instead, he continued trying to swallow it. One of the on-scene officers then "placed his hand on Smith's trachea to stop Smith from hurting himself or from destroying evidence." Smith then spit out a plastic bag and told the officers the substance inside the bag was cocaine. Smith stated that he had smoked the substance and "continued flailing his hands." 

The officer stated that he opened the door, and Smith "fell on the ground, flailing his hands at officers." Smith was then detained, and the white powdered substance found inside the bag tested positive for cocaine. 

The driver of the vehicle, Kenye Townsend, had a warrant through the Douglas Police Department, along with a suspended driver's license. The officer noted that she was given a citation for not having a valid license and was transported to the Coffee County Jail. Smith was charged with possession of cocaine and also booked into the Coffee County Jail. Both individuals have since been released on bond.