A traffic stop by a Joplin police officer led to a felony drug charge against the driver and the arrest of his passenger on a felony warrant.
The officer stopped the vehicle about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday near Ninth Street and Murphy Boulevard for alleged failure to signal for a turn, said Lt. Brian Lewis of the Joplin Police Department.
A passenger, Steven E. Pearson II, 25, 803 W. First St., admitted to the officer that he had an outstanding warrant and was placed under arrest. Lewis said the Jasper County warrant was for alleged failure to appear in court on a felony charge of tampering.
A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up various items and chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, Lewis said. He said the driver, Dustin L. Jansen, 20, 1430 S. Monroe Ave., was arrested, and charged with possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
