Driver with suspended license, passenger arrested on drug allegations, Merced, police say

A man and woman who had warrants for their arrests were found with possible narcotics during a traffic stop Thursday morning in Merced, according to authorities.

An officer made a traffic stop in the 1700 block of West Olive Avenue after witnessing a vehicle run a red light at Olive Avenue and Loughborough Drive at about 1:45 a.m., according to a Merced Police Department news release.

Police said the driver, identified as Casey McCready, 51, of Mariposa, was found to be driving with a suspended license and had a felony warrant for his arrest. McCready was arrested and during a search officers located suspected methamphetamine inside his pocket, according to the release.

Officers also located about six ounces of methamphetamine hidden under the dash during a search of the vehicle.

A female passenger, identified as Jhangme “Rose” Pate, 39, of Mariposa, was also detained for the methamphetamine located by officers. Police said Pate, who provided officers with several different names and dates of birth, was found to have several felony warrants for her arrest out of Mariposa and Madera Counties.

McCready was arrested on suspicion of possession for sales and transportation of methamphetamine, driving on a suspended license and the warrant. According to authorities, he was released on a citation.

Pate was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of possession and transportation for sales of methamphetamine, multiple felony warrants and providing a false name to an officer, according to police.