Early-morning check leads to drug arrest

A welfare check on a parked and running car in the early-morning hours led to a drug arrest Wednesday.

According to Maricopa Police Department records, a white car was parked on the dirt shoulder of Smith-Enke Road east of DR Horton Drive just before 4 a.m. The vehicle was running with its headlights on.

The man in the driver’s seat identified himself as Randy Attson, 41. The officer reported seeing a pint glass in the car’s cup holder containing liquid that looked like beer. Attson allegedly admitted the pint glass was from a bar he visited earlier.

The officer also observed a blow torch at Attson’s feet, indicating the implement is sometimes associated with illegal drug use. When the officer asked if there was a methamphetamine pipe in the car, Attson allegedly said it was between the driver’s seat and the center console.

A search reportedly turned up three glass pipes and about 2.5 grams of meth. A warrant check also revealed Attson’s driving privilege was suspended and he had an extraditable warrant out of West Mesa Justice Court for a traffic offense with a $1,300 bond.

Attson was booked at Pinal County jail, where he remains in custody. Recommended charges are possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.