Police find cocaine, loaded shotgun during DUI arrest

A man suspected of driving under the influence wound up facing several additional serious charges after officers pulled him over.

Police reportedly found drugs and a loaded shotgun Monday night in the vehicle of Nehemiah M. Lewis, 39. He was arrested and booked into Pinal County jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, aggravated DUI, slightest degree DUI, misconduct involving weapons, failure to yield to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Maricopa police and online jail records. 

At 11:03 p.m., Maricopa police tried to stop a Dodge pickup truck when a records check showed the registered owner, Lewis, had a revoked license. Lewis reportedly did not immediately yield and continued for about a half mile before coming to a stop near North Hogenes Boulevard and West Tulip Lane, in Maricopa Meadows. 

Officers said they immediately noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle when they contacted Lewis in the driver’s seat. Lewis reportedly had bloodshot and watery eyes, according to officers.  

A records check on Lewis’ driver’s license showed multiple suspensions and revocations for past DUI violations. 

According to a probable-cause statement, three significant items were discovered: a vial containing a small spoon and white, powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine; a syringe containing 1 gram of sativa THC oil; and a loaded shotgun near the center console of the truck. 

Lewis has a hearing scheduled at Pinal County Superior Court on March 21.