A routine traffic stop turned unusual for state troopers, as a 3-year-old passenger handed them a bag containing marijuana and drug-related items.
The toddler in the back seat did not appear to be in a proper child safety restraint, police said. They reportedly also observed that the adult occupants of the car, 26-year-old driver Scott Hill and the little girl’s 33-year-old mother Megan Karl, had made some suspicious movements.
When the pair of occupants rolled down the windows, police said they could smell burning marijuana.
One trooper interviewed Hill, while another went to check on the little girl, who helpfully pulled out some hidden contraband.
“The little girl reached under the front seat and retrieved a zippered pouch,” state police said in a press release. “She opened it and held it up so the trooper could see the contents.”
The pouch contained a bag of marijuana, as well as a metal grinding device and smoking pipe, which police said contained remnants of the drug.
Troopers also found an ashtray in the front seat containing marijuana cigarette butts, according to police.
The press release noted that Hill was the owner of the drugs and paraphernalia.
The girl’s mother as well as Hill were both arrested and charged with child endangerment.
Police said Hill was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
It is reported that the girl was taken into the care of relatives, and notification about the incident has been provided to child protective services.
