On May 3, 2017 at approximately 7:35 p.m. a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. 71 entering Red River Parish. The deputy observed an equipment defect on the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Hwy 71 and Hwy 507 near the Fairview community. After the vehicle came to a stop, the deputy observed two occupants exit the vehicle and suspiciously switch sides.

While speaking with the passenger, identified as Cody Lott, the deputy observed that he was nervous and exhibited physical characteristics consistent with narcotics use. A records check revealed that Lott had a history involving illegal narcotics. Lott eventually admitted that he smoked methamphetamine earlier in the day in Natchitoches Parish.

After speaking with the driver and Lott, deputies were given consent to search the car. Upon approach, an odor consistent with marijuana emanated from inside. During the initial search, deputies located a small amount of suspected marijuana and a torch commonly used in the consumption of illegal narcotics. The K-9 team was then dispatched to assist with the search.

As a perimeter sweep of the vehicle was performed, K-9 Aron alerted near the rear of the car. A subsequent search of the rear seat areayielded a small plastic bag containing a crystal like substance (suspected methamphetamine) and a smoking pipe containing narcotics residue. The items were collected as evidence. Two children, ages 2 and 1, were located in this area at the time of the traffic stop.

After admitting ownership of the methamphetamine and pipe, Lott was placed under arrest and transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking. The vehicle, which was registered in Lott’s name, was seized by RPSO deputies. The second suspect, along with the children, were released and transported by private vehicle from the scene.

Cody Lott, W/M, age 30 of the 200 block of Bayou Pierre Cutoff, Natchitoches, LA was charged with the following: Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Persons under Seventeen Years of Age, Possession of Schedule II CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles.

His total bond was set at $7,000 and he remains incarcerated.