By By LYDIA GRIMES — Features writer
Brewton police arrested a New Orleans couple who had been driving a stolen vehicle and were carrying illegal drugs early Tuesday morning while on a routine patrol.
According to Brewton Police Chief David Lovelace, at 2:12 a.m. officer Chris Sheffield was on a routine patrol when he spotted a black SUV 1993 Ford Explorer sitting in a car wash stall on Mildred Street, next to M&M.
Upon investigation, Sheffield found a male and a female asleep in the back seat of the SUV. The Louisiana tag number was run and the vehicle was listed as having been stolen from New Orleans.
Officer John Peavy and Sgt. Gene Powell were called in for backup. There was a resulting arrest of William Thomas Monk, 32, who gave an address of 3334 Old Miss Drive, Kenner, La. He was charged with possession of crack cocaine, marijuana and receiving stolen property.
Also charged was Carol Ann Ward, 35, who gave her address as 1114 Touro Street, New Orleans, La. She was charged with possession of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The vehicle was towed and the couple were booked at Brewton Police Department and later transferred to Escambia County Detention Center.
Chief Lovelace also stated there have been incidents at local gas stations where customers have been losing patience in the face of a gas shortage.