KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – An enforcement stop conducted Thursday morning by a sheriff’s patrol deputy has resulted in two arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and an illegal weapon.
Terry James Hempstead, 55, and 39-year-old Shannon Jeanette Reinhofer, both of Kelseyville, were arrested during the stop, according to sheriff’s Lt. Steve Brooks.
At approximately 6:14 a.m. Thursday a deputy conducted a vehicle stop on Point Lakeview Road, near the intersection of Lassen Way in Kelseyville, due to an equipment violation and expired registration, Brooks said.
The deputy contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Hempstead, who told the deputy that he did not possess a driver’s license because his driving privilege had been suspended, Brooks said.
The deputy also contacted Reinhofer, Hempstead’s passenger, noticed that Reinhofer was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant, according to Brooks.
The deputy had Hempstead step out of the vehicle and when he did, a knife which was concealed under his shirt fell to the ground. Brooks said the deputy deployed his narcotics detection canine which produced a positive alert on the front driver’s side door; indicating there was the odor of a controlled substance present.
A search of the vehicle revealed two glass pipes which are commonly used to ingest methamphetamine. One of the pipes contained a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine, Brooks said.
Brooks said the glass pipes and methamphetamine were located inside a coin purse, in an area easily accessible by both Hempstead and Reinhofer. Neither Hempstead nor Reinhofer admitted ownership of the glass pipes or the methamphetamine.
Hempstead was arrested for transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession of a dirk/dagger, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license, Brooks said.
Reinhofer was arrested for transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and for being under the influence of a controlled substance, according to Brooks.
They were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked, Brooks said.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.