Polk County Police usually would have concluded a traffic stop for a tag light would let everything go with a warning and sending a driver on their way, but a passenger during a New Years Eve night traffic stop drew their attention by trying to hide and ended up in custody.

Dakota Keith Morgan, 24, was in the backseat of a minivan pulled over at the Pinhoti Trailhead off Cave Spring Road near the Polk County line on Tuesday evening, January 31, when the driver was pulled over for a tag light being out.

Officers were ready to give the driver a warning and go onto other business, but Morgan got their attention when he attempted to hide his face during the course of questioning. Once Morgan gave up his name and date of birth, 911 found he had a warrant for his arrest and he was pulled out of the car for further investigation.

While being searched, officers found a needle and suspected drugs on his person, plus two pocket knives. He denied the drugs were his.

Officers searched the car as well, finding another syringe near another passenger, who denied any involvement with it at all.

Police charged Morgan with felonies for probation violation and methamphetamine possession, along with misdemeanors for possession and use of drug related objects and an additional probation violation charge.

He remained in custody at the Polk County Jail on a $12,500 bond.