A man faces drug and equipment‑related charges after a traffic stop in Alton on October 6. Deputy J.A. Martin reported stopping a pickup at US 19 and US 160 after noticing a defective brake light and a turn made without a signal. The driver, identified as Walter Hooper, told the deputy he had purchased the truck the day before.
During a pat‑down for officer safety, the deputy located a small container holding what appeared to be methamphetamine. Hooper was read his Miranda rights and taken into custody. The suspected substance later tested positive on a Tru‑Narc device, according to the report.
Hooper is charged with possession of a controlled substance, failure to register a motor vehicle, and defective equipment. His bond was set at $2,500.
