Woman suspected of passing out behind steering wheel arrested on drug charges

A woman who police say passed out while behind the steering wheel of her car was arrested Jan. 27, when officers found what they believe to be narcotics in the vehicle. 

Angela M. Espinoza was booked into Pinal County jail on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia and narcotics, according to Maricopa police. 

At 8:51 p.m., police responded to Circle K, 21212 N. John Wayne Pkwy., on a report of a woman passed out behind the wheel, according to a probable-cause statement. 

Officers contacted Espinoza, who said she was tired and had fallen asleep with her foot on the gas pedal, police reported. 

According to the probable-cause statement, officers asked Espinoza to empty her pockets before conducting a DUI investigation. Officers saw aluminum foil with burn marks on it. They also discovered what they believed to be a methamphetamine pipe in plain view in the driver’s side door.  

During a further search of her vehicle, officers found what they described as six M30 pills and “additional items of paraphernalia.” 05