2 women face numerous charges after traffic stop

Two women were arrested during a traffic stop on April 7 after officers discovered a weapon and drugs in their vehicle, according to Maricopa police.  

Alida M. Cruz, age and hometown not provided by MPD, was booked into Pinal County jail on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, tampering with evidence and two counts of weapons misconduct.  

Destiny M. Dingler, age and hometown not provided by MPD, also was booked on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, tampering with evidence and two counts of weapons misconduct. She also was booked on suspicion of possession of a narcotic drug, a probable-cause statement said. 

On April 7, at 11:10 p.m., Maricopa police stopped a vehicle on North John Wayne Parkway north of Honeycutt Avenue. The reason for the stop was not released. 

Officers contacted Cruz, who was in the driver’s seat, and Dingler, who was in the backseat next to a 13-year-old juvenile, police said. Officers asked Cruz if there were any weapons in the vehicle. She responded no. 

According to the probable-cause statement, Dingler was found in possession of a gray and black handgun, which police identified as a Colt Pocketlite .380 Auto, with six rounds, and two baggies with 2.2 grams of a substance, which later tested as a presumptive positive for cocaine. 

During searches of both Dingler and Cruz, police reported finding a cut red straw with a white powdery substance on it, which later tested as a presumptive positive for cocaine. 

The juvenile was found in possession of THC cartridges and marijuana, according to Maricopa police. 

Cruz reportedly admitted to handing the firearm to Dingler when she was stopped because Cruz was scared. Both face a weapons misconduct charge for having a firearm in their immediate control while under the age of 21. 

According to MPD, Both Cruz and Dingler told officers that they had previously bought drugs from the juvenile and picked him up to do a drop off. 

Cruz and Dingler were booked into jail, the juvenile was released, according to Maricopa police.