Madisonville Police Department announced Tuesday evening that a routine traffic stop on Las Vegas Avenue resulted in two arrests and a suite of criminal charges. Officers pulled over a vehicle at approximately 6:30 p.m. after observing several traffic violations.
Violations prompt stop
According to the police report, the driver, identified as Casey Burge, was driving without a valid operator’s license and had an active warrant for his arrest. He also failed to produce proof of insurance and was cited for reckless driving, failure to signal properly, and not wearing a seat belt. The passenger, Candice Miller, was observed moving frantically inside the vehicle, raising additional concern for officer safety.
K‑9 unit uncovers narcotics
When officers asked for consent to search the vehicle, Burge declined. A K‑9 unit was then deployed, and the dog alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics. While waiting for the canine, Miller spilled what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage on herself and told officers she had just taken prescription medication.
Search yields drug‑related evidence
Following the K‑9 alert, officers conducted a search of the vehicle. They seized a digital scale with suspected methamphetamine residue, several new corner‑cut baggies, a marijuana joint packaged in a clear bag, and a large sum of U.S. currency. Miller was taken into custody because her level of intoxication was deemed a danger to herself and the public if released.
Charges filed
Both individuals were transported to the Hopkins County Jail. Miller faces charges of trafficking a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication, and failure to wear a seat belt. Burge is charged with operating a vehicle without a license, reckless driving, failure to signal, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking a controlled substance, and failure to produce an insurance card.
Community safety emphasized
Madisonville officials praised the swift action of the officers, noting that the combined traffic and drug enforcement effort helps keep the community safe. The department highlighted the importance of traffic stops as opportunities to uncover larger criminal activity that threatens families and neighborhoods.
Police continue to encourage residents to report suspicious behavior and to cooperate with law‑enforcement efforts aimed at protecting the public and upholding the rule of law.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
