SUGARCREEK, Pa. (EYT) — A Franklin man is facing DUI and drug charges after marijuana was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

Court documents indicate the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department filed the following criminal charges against 49-year-old Sean Christopher Johnson, of Franklin, on November 1:

• Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Misdemeanor
• DUI: Controlled Substance — Schedule 1 — 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
• DUI: Controlled Substance — Impaired Ability — 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
• Possession of Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor
• Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
• No Rear Lights, Summary

According to a criminal complaint, around 9:51 p.m. on August 10, Officer Highfield, of the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department, was in the area of Allegheny Boulevard when he observed the vehicle in front of him was very difficult to see. Officer Highfield pulled closer to the vehicle and discovered it was a large box truck with a taillight out, and the only rear lighting was the other taillight, which was barely attached to the vehicle.

A traffic stop was initiated in the 300 Block of Allegheny Boulevard, and the truck pulled to the right side of the roadway and stopped in front of the Penn-Aire Aviation building. Officer Highfield then made contact with the driver, identified as Sean Johnson, and advised him that he was stopped due to a taillight being out.

According to the complaint, Johnson stated he worked a 16-hour day and didn’t know the light was out but went on to say he could get it fixed in the morning. Johnson provided Officer Highfield with his license; however, he could only provide expired cards for the vehicle’s registration and insurance.

The complaint notes that Officer Highfield noticed Johnson had bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils and questioned him about it. Johnson replied that he had worked 16 hours at a flooring job and believed the floor chemicals “had gotten to him.”

Officer Highfield believed that Johnson was under the influence.

As Officer Highfield radioed Johnson’s driver’s information to 9-1-1, Patrolman Johnson arrived at the scene, spoke with Johnson, and came to the same conclusion about Johnson possibly being under the influence. Officer Highfield then returned to the truck, noticed an odor of marijuana, and questioned Johnson about it.

According to the complaint, Johnson allegedly stated that he had smoked before he left the last job and said he and some other workers had passed around a joint.

Officer Highfield then asked Johnson to undergo field sobriety testing. Johnson passed the HGN test but failed the walk and turn test and the one leg stand.

Officer Highfield questioned Johnson about any substance use, and Johnson allegedly said that he was only on marijuana.

According to the complaint, during questioning, Johnson stated there was marijuana in his backpack. Johnson was placed in the back of Officer Highfield’s patrol vehicle and a search was conducted incident to arrest on the truck.

The complaint states that Officer Highfield found a backpack which contained a green leafy material suspected to be fresh marijuana, as well as a digital scale and a marijuana grinder. A small drawstring bag located directly beside the backpack contained a plastic baggie of suspected fresh marijuana.

Johnson was then transported to UPMC Northwest for blood testing.

According to the complaint, the blood test contained 11-Hydroxy Delta-9THC, Delta-9 Carboxy THS, Delta-9 THC, and Buprenorphine.

Based on the investigation, charges were filed on Thursday, November 1, in Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey’s office.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, with Judge Lowrey presiding.

A certified summons was issued on November 1.