Slow driving leads to multiple charges

A Jay woman who was stopped Dec. 27 for driving 20 mph in a 55 mph zone and crossing the traffic line was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and other charges after her car was searched.

Marylee Bethann Baker, 33, 13885 Highway 87 North, was pulled over for a suspected DUI when a deputy observed her 2012 gray Ford Focus driving erratically according to a Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office report.

When the deputy made contact with the driver, who identified herself as Baker, she claimed her driver's license had been stolen. Dispatch located the drivers license with multiple suspensions. Baker had one failure to appear, multiple failure to pay traffic fines and knowledge of her license suspension. The report stated there were also two revocations for violations involving narcotics.

Baker told the deputy she was in between addresses. The deputy noticed there were a lot of personal clothing items in her vehicle. When the deputy began to place Baker under arrest, she verbally protested the arrest and began swatting her arms at the officer then turned and ran to the driver's side of the vehicle.

Baker kicked and thrashed at the deputy after she fell to the ground, then began to recover to her feet. The report said the deputy realized how close the highway was and that Baker was escalating her escape attempt so he deployed his Taser, which took Baker to the ground. She tried to keep one hand hidden behind her back but was finally put in handcuffs. She claimed to have possible contraband rolled into her shorts at the leg although the officer searched and found none.

An inventory search of the vehicle reveled two glass smoing devices located under some clothing in the front passenger seat. The officer observed crystal residue on the passenger side sun visor mirror, consistent with methamphetamine the report said.

During transport to the Santa Rosa County Jail, Baker took off her bra in the back of the patrol car and appeared to be trying to conceal something. A search was conducted at the jail and while searching her clothes, a small plastic baggie of crystalline substance fell out of her clothing.

Baker was placed under arrest and charged with resisting officer, one count felony drug and drug paraphernalia possession and driving with suspended license revoked. Her bond was set at $10,000.