Traffic violation turned into drug arrest Monday morning

A traffic violation called in by an off-duty Paducah Police Officer turned into a drug arrest on Monday morning.

The call came in at about 4:15 a.m. when the officer spotted the violation along Old Mayfield Road. McCracken County Sheriff's deputies caught up to the vehicle, driven by 32-year-old Oscar Mercado, and reportedly found him to be under the influence. 

Mercado was arrested and deputies located methamphetamine on his person.

He was taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail and charged with possession of methamphetamine, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, careless driving, and possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle. 

Mercado was also cited for other traffic violations.