Bicycle traffic stop leads to drug arrest

A Douglas police officer arrested Roderick Gaskin, 50, on drug charges during a traffic stop. Gaskin was riding a bicycle at the time.

The incident report states that a corporal with the DPD saw Gaskin headed west in the eastbound lane of East Baker Highway. The officer attempted to stop Gaskin by hitting his blue lights. Gaskin then moved to the sidewalk on Baker Highway, still traveling west. Near Columbia Avenue, the report states that crossed to the north side of the street then reached into his shoulder bag and threw a yellow container onto the shoulder of the road. He crossed back to the south side of Baker Highway and then stopped.

The officer found the container, a plastic Easter egg, that contained a small amount of marijuana and suspected molly. Gaskin also had an active warrant through the Douglas Police Department. Additionally, Gaskin was carrying a cup which he said contained gin. The corporal arrested Gaskin and placed him in his patrol car. Gaskin then started sweating, saying he was dizzy, and he could not see. 

The officer called EMS and Gaskin was taken to CRMC for treatment. Medical staff cleared Gaskin and he was transported to the Coffee County Jail. Gaskin was charged with driving on the wrong side of the road; purchase, possession manufacture, distribution, or sale of marijuana; and possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance. The active warrant was a bench warrant for driving with a suspended license.

Gaskin has been released on bond.