Late Night Traffic Stop Nets 3 Drug Arrests

Three people were arrested Monday night on drug and other charges after a traffic stop.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department says deputies pulled over a vehicle shortly before 11 p.m. on Irvin Cobb Drive for traffic violations. Deputies said that when speaking with the driver, 20-year-old Ken Christopher R. Mendiola and his two passengers, 29-year-old Christian M. Sherrill and 20-year-old Austin L. Hayes, they could see and smell marijuana in the vehicle. Deputies also said Mendiola was under the influence of drugs.

During a search, deputies reportedly found marijuana on Mendiola and Hayes. They also found suspected methamphetamine where Sherrill had been sitting. Deputies said used hypodermic syringes and needles were also found in Sherrill's personal belongings, along with a suspected methadone pill. A further search of the vehicle revealed two handguns, one of which was reported stolen last September in McCracken County.

Deputies said Sherrill repeatedly gave them a false name and date of birth. Sherrill was found to have an unrelated active Indictment Warrant out of Marshall County for possession of methamphetamine, promoting contraband, and other drug offenses.

All three suspects were arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail. Deputy jailers later located additional suspected methamphetamine concealed on Sherrill.

Mendiola is charged with DUI 1st offense, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property (firearm) and disregarding a stop sign.

Hayes is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property (firearm) and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

Sherrill is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of an unspecified drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property (firearm), 1st degree promoting contraband, and giving an officer a false name.