A routine traffic stop over a revoked registration plate near Charlotte Highway and Interstate 77 turned into a felony drug case Thursday morning after Troutman police say a 46-year-old Mooresville man tried to hide methamphetamine in the vest of a dog riding with him in the car.
Officers pulled over the vehicle around 8:10 a.m. on Oct. 22 and asked the driver, identified as Michael Rowton, to get out of the car, according to Queen City News. That's when officers say they spotted Rowton hiding an item in the vest of the dog that was with him. A search reportedly turned up a 28.8-gram bag of methamphetamine hidden inside the vest.
Felony Charges Follow the Discovery
Rowton was arrested and charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, trafficking in methamphetamine, and maintaining a vehicle for the possession of controlled substances, per the report. Under state law, the trafficking charge applies to anyone who sells, manufactures, delivers, transports or possesses 28 grams or more of methamphetamine or a mixture containing it, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. The amount reportedly found in the dog's vest sits just above that threshold.
The vehicle charge, maintaining a vehicle for possession of controlled substances, covers knowingly keeping or maintaining a vehicle that is used for keeping or selling controlled substances in violation of the law, according to the same body's statutes governing prohibited acts under North Carolina law.
Dog Picked Up at the Scene
Rowton connected officers with someone who came to pick up the dog at the scene, the outlet's report notes. Beyond that detail, the dog's ownership and condition were not addressed in the account of the stop.
Rowton is being held without bond, according to the same report. No additional details on his attorney, a court date, or the case's outcome have been made available.
