The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced on Apr. 2 that deputies arrested two individuals during a late-night traffic stop that led to the discovery of drugs and paraphernalia.
Authorities say the incident took place on March 31 at around 11:52 p.m., when a patrol deputy noticed a suspicious vehicle in the 5000 block of Marabou Drive in unincorporated El Paso County. The deputy stopped the vehicle near Hancock Expressway and Yucatan Drive.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver, identified as Dale Witham, age 68, showed signs of impairment and was determined to be driving under the influence. A second deputy assisting with the stop observed a glass pipe commonly used for narcotics in possession of passenger Justin Haakenson, age 37.
A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 9.5 grams of methamphetamine, 741 blue fentanyl pills, packaging materials consistent with narcotics distribution, a digital scale, empty syringes, and additional drug paraphernalia found on both suspects.
Witham was transported to El Paso County Jail and booked on charges including unlawful distribution or sale of controlled substances, driving under the influence, and multiple traffic offenses. He is being held on a $50,000 bond. Haakenson faces charges including unlawful distribution or sale of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia along with other misdemeanor offenses; he is also being held on a $50,000 bond.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about ongoing investigations related to this incident.
