Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest

A traffic stop wound up in a drug arrest Saturday in Newport. Police say they attempted to pull over a vehicle Saturday night shortly before 8pm due to no tag and no taillight. The driver pulled over at Goodwill then took off on foot running around the building towards the train tracks. The officer used a taser but it had no effect. The suspect then jumped into the Pigeon River and swam across to the other side. Unfortunately for him, another officer was waiting on the opposite bank and promptly took the suspect into custody. That suspect was identified as 39 year old Daniel Keesler. He was in possession of 7 grams of methamphetamine plus large amounts of used syringes, scales, burnt tin foil, and several bags. Kessler also had $300 cash, all in twenties wrapped up in his pocket. He is charged with manufacture sale and delivery of schedule II narcotics and evading arrest among other charges.