Loud music sprouts surprise

Deputy finds 3 pot plants in back seat during traffic stop

During a traffic stop by a St. Charles Parish Sheriff's deputy, Gary Eugene, Jr., 25, was arrested for growing marijuana and driving with a suspended license.

The incident began when a parish deputy spotted a gold Chevrolet Caprice Classic traveling west on LA 18, and the deputy noticed that vehicle was the source of loud music.

The deputy then initiated a traffic stop of the car, asking Eugene, 363 Trailsway Dr., for his license, registration and proof of insurance. "Eugene advised the deputy that he was driving under suspension and did not have proof of insurance," said Public Information Officer Cpt. Patrick Yoes. The deputy ran a background check confirming Eugene's statement.

After which, the deputy prepared to search Eugene's car. Before doing so, the deputy asked Eugene, "Did he have any illegal items inside the vehicle? Eugene stated that were two marijuana plants in the back seat," said Yoes.

The officer found two pots in the back seat. One pot contained one plant and second pot contained two plants.

As to why Eugene was traveling with marijuana plants in his back seat, Yoes could not comment. However, he was charged with cultivation of marijuana, driving under suspension and loud music amplification.