MAN ARRESTED AFTER
PASSING STOPPED SCHOOL BUS
Authorities score drugs, cash during arrest

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- A Lincolnton man is arrested after police witness the driver pass a stopped school bus Monday afternoon at the intersection of Maiden Highway and Colonial Village Drive.

Officer Billy Burgin was on patrol when he saw a white Dodge Intrepid pass the bus, which had its red lights flashing and stop arm out. The bus had apparently just dropped off children who may have crossed busy Maiden Highway.

The vehicle, driven by Tod-Jaa Dazy-Juan Tilley, 23, of the 300 block Mull Road, Lincolnton, was stopped by Burgin.

As he approached the driver's side of the vehicle, he noticed the odor of marijauna. According to the incident report at the police department, Tilley didn't have any identification on him. A passenger in the vehicle identified himself as 17-year-old Joey Somerset.

As Burgin continued to talk to the men, he noticed they were acting very nervous.

Police Lt. R. Willis, Lt. Brian Green and Detective J. Munday were called to the scene to aid in the investigation.

Burgin asked Tilley if there was anything suspicious in the vehicle. Initially, Tilley refused to let officers search the vehicle but later complied according to the report.

After Tilley was asked to exit the vehicle, he became argumentative with officers who found baggies of marijauna in the trunk of the vehicle, along with scales that had a baggie of marijauna on them.

Tilley was arrested and charged with passing a stopped school bus; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijauna; and possession of scales used to weigh marijauna. Bond for Tilley was set at $4,000 secured, which he posted and was released from custody.

His passenger, meantime, violated probation by giving false information to an officer. He was identified as 17-year-old Steven Brian Somerset of Ildale Lane. He was taken into custody by probation on outstanding warrants.

Tilley may face additional charges in the case as the investigation continues.