LUCERNE ? A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Lance Louis Rackey, 50, of Santa Rosa on Wednesday night. He was arrested and charged with several drug charges, driving on a suspended license and a south county warrant for a weapons charge.
According to Lake County Sheriff Capt. James Bauman, public information officer, a deputy observed Rackey stopped at a stop sign where 16th Avenue meets Highway 20 in Lucerne. Bauman said that although there was ample time for Rackey to enter the highway, he allowed the deputy to pass, arousing suspicion. Bauman said when the deputy passed, he looked in his rearview mirror and saw Rackey backing up on 16th Avenue rather than entering the highway.
The deputy turned around and contacted Rackey on 16th Avenue when it was determined that his license was suspended and there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Rackey was placed under arrest at approximately 10:15 p.m. According to Bauman, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana in the vehicle. Search of the vehicle”s engine compartment allegedly revealed a couple of bags of marijuana wrapped in a hand towel as well as a blue tin that was taped to the engine compartment that allegedly contained suspected methamphetamine. Bauman said a glass smoking pipe and another bindle of meth were located on the driver”s side of the engine compartment. According to Bauman, Rackey told the deputy he was on his way to Redwood Valley to look for roofing work. Rackey was booked in to Lake County Jail on marijuana and controlled substance charges including possession, sale and transportation as well as for driving on a suspended license and the warrant.
