A Vernal man is facing charges after attempting to run from police while carrying a beanie stuffed with Methamphetamine and glass pipes. According to the Probable Cause Statement, an officer initiated a traffic stop for an equipment violation. While speaking with the officer, Joseph Lawson reached into the center console and grabbed a beanie-style knit cap. He placed the beanie down over the edge of the console out of the officer’s view and the officer heard a glass-like clanking sound. The beanie was lifted up, appearing heavy and sagging at the bottom. The officer requested that he hand over the items and Lawson took off running. Officers chased him on foot and were able to deploy a taser. He continued to resist arrest but he was brought into custody. Inside the beanie, officers discovered a large baggie of Methamphetamine and 3 glass pipes. The 23.5 grams of Methamphetamine is more than a “user amount” and indicative of distribution activity. 34-year-old Joseph Jay Lawson is charged with 2nd Degree Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute, Misdemeanor Failure to Stop at Command of Law Enforcement, and Manufacturing/Delivering Drug Paraphernalia.
