Two out-of-state women were arrested Sunday afternoon on U.S. Interstate 80 when they were allegedly found in possession of about one-half pound of marijuana.
Tashea J. Powell, 34, of 7667 S. Coles Ave., Chicago, was charged with a controlled substance violation, failure to affix drug stamp, possession or control of a firearm in a controlled substance violation, child endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.
Qiana S. Sanders, 43, of 1539 Calumet Ave., Whiting, Indiana, was charged with a controlled substance violation, failure to affix drug stamp, possession or control of a firearm in a controlled substance violation and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The incident began about 4:45 p.m. Sunday near the 105 mile marker of eastbound U.S. Interstate 80, where a Dallas County Deputy Sheriff clocked a 2019 Hyundai Sona traveling at 87 mph in a 70 mph speed zone, according to court records.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop near the 111 mile marker and allegedly “could smell the strong, distinct odor of burnt and raw marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle,” which was driven by Powell. Sanders and Powell’s juvenile daughter were passengers.
A probable-cause search of the vehicle was conducted, disclosing “several bags and canisters containing a green leafy substance,” and “several of the items were labeled as
marijuana/THC. There were two smoking pipes, containing a burnt, green, leafy substance and other drug paraphernalia items throughout the vehicle,” according to court records.
The total weight of the marijuana was about 8.8 ounces. The marijuana items were allegedly within reach of the juvenile passenger, according to court records.
In the backseat of the vehicle, a loaded 9 mm handgun in a red-colored bag was allegedly found within the juvenile passenger’s reach, according to court records. Sanders said the gun was hers, but she did not have a permit for the weapon.
Powell and Sanders are each held in the Dallas County Jail in advance of an initial appearance in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
I have no problem with two women, traveling with a child, having a pistol to protect themselves. Nor with the marijuana per se. It’s the gun within reach of that child in a car traveling at 87 mph while they are getting high that is the issue. However, they do look a little embarrassed, so the trip home will be a safe one for that child.
Given their ages, unless that child was a very big surprise late in life, that child is very likely old enough to be completely safe around that pistol and if raised around here, likely would already have gone pheasant hunting. If they had not bought some weed while traveling (it’s summer vacation time), there likely would not even be an arrest over that pistol. Two women vacationing with a child have every right to have a pistol to keep themselves safe.