Traffic stop nets meth arrest in Topock

TOPOCK — A Kingman man was arrested on drug charges during a Thanksgiving morning traffic stop in Topock. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)said deputies spotted drug indicia as they approached the Bert Lopatikiewicz, 55, the driver and sole occupant of the red SUV stopped in the area of Golden Shores Parkway and Tule Drive.

“They could see a clear glass pipe and a plastic baggie with a crystal-like substance in his shirt pocket,” said MCSO spokeswoman Anita Mortensen. “A pat search revealed a second bag containing a crytal-like substance was located in his pants pocket.”

Mortensen said that Lopatkiewicz admitted that the 32.7 grams seized by deputies was methamphetamine. She said deputies determined that his driver’s license was invalid and that Lopatkiewicz was also named in an active arrest warrant.

Lopatkiewicz was transported to Kingman and booked into the Adult Detention Center.

Dave Hawkins