A routine patrol turned significant drug bust that took place in the wee hours of June 30, when El Paso County Sheriff's deputies stumbled upon a suspicious vehicle at the Travelodge Hotel on Space Village Avenue. The deputies, during their early morning patrol, noticed a black Subaru Legacy, spray-painted to cloak its original identity, and conspicuously without license plates as it pulled into the hotel parking lot.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the deputies' attempt to approach the vehicle prompted an evasive maneuver from the driver, who was later identified as 31-year-old Hayden Cutter. Cutter's hasty attempt to park and exit the black Subaru did not go unnoticed by the law enforcement officials, who then proceeded to initiate contact.
During the interaction, deputies noted in plain sight what appeared to be drug paraphernalia and a large knife within arm's reach of the driver. A search of Cutter's vehicle further yielded 86 grams of methamphetamine, 15 fentanyl pills, the aforementioned knife, a replica "UZI" airsoft gun, and additional items related to drug use. After this discovery, Cutter was taken into custody.
In a statement issued by Sheriff Joseph Roybal, he lauded his deputies, "This arrest is a strong example of how proactive policing keeps dangerous drugs and weapons off our streets." He added, "I commend my deputies for remaining alert and taking quick action to ensure the safety of the community. We remain committed to holding offenders accountable, and protecting El Paso County from the impact of drug-related crime," as per the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Cutter now faces several charges, including Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, and is being held on a $75,000 bond.
