On Saturday, March 11, 2017 at approximately 10:45 PM, a Kingsport Police Department Patrol Sergeant conducted a seemingly routine traffic stop on a silver 2014 Chevrolet Captiva compact sport utility vehicle on East Stone Drive near Arbutus Avenue after witnessing the vehicle traveling 15 miles over the posted speed limit (60 mph in a 45 mph zone).
The driver was subsequently identified as Alex Scott Miller. A check of his driver license status revealed that it was currently revoked as a result of a previous conviction for Driving Under the Influence. Mr. Miller was initially placed under arrest for Driving on a Revoked License and Speeding. During a search of his person incident to arrest, a large amount of U.S. currency was located in his pocket. Mr. Miller consented to a search of his vehicle, during which the following items were located:
1) Approximately 23 grams of a black substance believed to be Heroin
2) Approximately 187 grams of a crystal substance believed to be Methamphetamine
3) Packaging materials for the above narcotics
4) Approximately 1 gram of a green plant material believed to be Marijuana
5) Taurus .40 caliber handgun with approximately 20 rounds of ammunition
6) Rossi .22 caliber rifle with approximately 23 rounds of ammunition
Detectives from the K.P.D. Vice and Narcotics Unit were called in for assistance. During the ensuing investigation, Detectives discovered that Mr. Miller was a convicted felon in both Tennessee and Virginia. It was also determined that the location of this traffic stop fell within the prescribed criminal enhancement range of 1,000 feet of a municipal park (Kingsport Greenbelt).
Mr. Miller was transported to the Kingsport City Jail. During booking, an alert K.P.D. Corrections Officer discovered that he was in possession of a Stoker’s snuff can with an addition 3 grams of a crystal substance believed to be Methamphetamine concealed within. He was ultimately charged with the following:
1) Possession of Schedule II Drugs (Heroin and Meth) For Resale Within 1,000 Feet of a Municipal Park (Kingsport Greenbelt)
2) Simple Possession of a Schedule VI Drug (Marijuana)
3) Maintaining a Dwelling (Vehicle) Where Narcotics are Used, Stored, Manufactured, or Distributed
4) Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia (Packaging Materials)
5) Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony
6) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
7) Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility
8) Driving on a Revoked License
9) Speeding (60 mph in a 45 mph zone)
The weapons were seized and were placed into evidence. The drugs were seized and will be sent to the T.B.I. Crime Lab for analysis. Approximately $2,000 in cash was seized as suspected profits from illegal drug transactions. Mr. Miller currently remains confined in the Kingsport City Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond as determined by the presiding judge. |