TRIO ARRESTED ON TRAFFIC, DRUG CHARGES

Arik Torrence (left) and James Johnson (center) and Carolyn Long (right) are still in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center late Monday night, after being arrested on drug and traffic charges

By Jon Mayhew (LINCOLNTON) -- Three Denver residents -- one wanted on outstanding warrants and one a senior citizen -- are arrested after a traffic stop, where drugs are found.

The traffic stop happened after officer Billy Burgin noticed a van traveling south on South Aspen Street at a high rate of speed. Burgin's report indicated he stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Gastonia Highway and Victory Grove Church Road.

According to Burgin, the incident happened around 4pm Sunday.

"Crystal Long, the driver of the van, said she left her driver's license at home," said Burgin, adding Long gave him a ficticious name.

Long's true identity -- and the fact her license was revoked -- was revealed during the traffic stop.

After police took Long into custody, authorities were given consent to search the vehicle. They first went to passenger James Johnson, age 60.

Authorities discovered a crack pipe on Johnson, as well as at least one rock of crack cocaine that fell out as Officer Burgin placed the pipe on top of the vehicle.

A third passenger -- Aric Torrence -- tried to give officers a fake name as well but finally admitted to his true identity. Torrence was identified by a probation officer and was wanted for warrants in Lincoln County on charges of failing to appear on traffic charges and violating the terms of his probation.

He tried to struggle with officers as he was arrested.

Authorities found a pill bottle with around two crack rocks near where Torrence was sitting.

Long, 32, was charged with giving ficticious information to a police officer; driving while license revoked' ficticious registration plate; having no insurance; failing to register vehicle; speeding and an order for arrest. Bond was set at $5,300 secured.

The 23-year-old Torrence, meantime, was charged with driving while license revoked (a previous probation violation); possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia; and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $22,500 secured.

And Johnson was charged with felony possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $5,000 secured.

All three had a first appearance hearing in Lincolnton District Court on Monday.