Sleeping in a Vehicle in the Middle of the Roadway Leads to Arrest of Louisiana Woman on Drug Charges and Other Crimes

Jeff Davis Parish, Louisiana - A Louisiana woman found sleeping in a vehicle in the middle of the roadway has been arrested for drugs and other crimes.

On March 2, 2023, the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff's Office reported that on March 1, 2023, Deputies were dispatched to Highway 90 near Vaussine Road, regarding a Nissan SUV parked in the roadway with occupants reportedly passed out inside, regarding a Nissan SUV parked in the roadway with occupants reportedly passed out inside. When deputies arrived, they discovered two girls sleeping in the vehicle, which was stopped in the middle of the road.

The driver reportedly stated that they had run out of gas and had been waiting for assistance since before daylight. When the driver exited the vehicle, a small backpack slipped from her lap onto the ground.

According to authorities, consent to search was obtained for the vehicle and the search revealed a small black zip-up bag. The black bag allegedly contained a white crystal-like material that was later identified as methamphetamine. A transparent glass smoking apparatus and two empty syringes were also discovered within the bag.

Michelle Gaines, 39, of Prairieville, Louisiana, was identified as the driver. Gains was charged with Obstruction of a Public Passage, CDS Schedule 2 (Methamphetamine Possession), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Authorities also indicated that Gains has two other court dates pending for methamphetamine possession.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.