Traffic stop leads to man’s arrest for drug dealing

On the night of November 19, what turned out as a routine traffic stop turned into an arrest of a man in possession of controlled substances.

A Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputy noticed a black Honda Accord driving “well over the speed limit” in a marked 40 mph zone on the Pacific Avenue SE, and turned on their radar and registered a speed up to 60 mph. The officer turned on their emergency lights and noticed the driver of the suspicious vehicle accelerated and then the officer saw the driver “make furtive movements,” and then the driver slowed the car and pulled over.

The driver, identified as David Denton, stopped the car and after being informed of his speed, stated that he did not know how fast he was going. He produced his license and the car registration but informed the deputy that the car belonged to a friend and was not his.

Upon checking the driver’s background, records showed a history of third-degree driving with license suspended, an outstanding DUI warrant, and additional warrants. Denton was on the phone while his background was being checked.
Another deputy and a Lacey Police Department (LPD) officer arrived to assist, with the Lacey officer revealing that Denton had previously eluded them and was surprised that the driver had stopped for the deputy.

While the deputy questioned the suspect, two females arrived and claimed to own Denton’s vehicle.

Denton exited the vehicle upon request without incident.

A search of Denton uncovered a significant amount of cash in various denominations, raising suspicion about the nature of his activities.

“Three separate cars and at least 4 people showed up to try and get the car,” the deputy stated, their suspicion was raised higher after so many people showed up to get the same vehicle. A K-9 unit from Tumwater Police was brought in to sniff the vehicle and indicated on the front door.

When authorities asked if narcotics were present in the vehicle, Denton denied knowledge, adding that the police could not search the car because it was not his, even though he stated he had had possession of the vehicle for five months.

After obtaining a search warrant, police found narcotics paraphernalia, a container with heroin inside, a bag of over 40 blue and green fentanyl pills, a bag with a large chunk of cocaine, a black digital scale with methamphetamine and other narcotics residue on it, and $2,011.

Denton was arrested on probable cause and was transported to the Thurston County Jail, where he faces charges related to his warrants and possession with intent to deliver heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.

Charges for driving with a suspended license were also requested, and the vehicle was released to its registered owner.