From The Bell County Sheriff's Department -
(Pineville, Ky.) On Friday April 26, 2019 at approximately 6:09pm Bell County Deputy Adam Southern initiated a traffic stop on a 2007 black Pontiac on highway 1534 and Old Cross Road after observing the operator cross the double yellow line.
During the stop Deputy Southern observed the driver, later identified as 29-year-old Michael David Ayers of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, moving around in the vehicle as if to hide something. Deputy Southern then requested assistance from K-9 Deputy James Taulbee and K-9 Giro who alerted to the presence of drugs.
Michael Ayers was arrested after he was determined to be in possession of a small bag of a crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine, digital scales, syringes containing a liquid believed to be Methamphetamine, empty baggies with a crystal-like residue, and a concealed 380 Cobra handgun.
Also arrested was a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle, 27-year-old Amanda J. Beeler of Middlesboro and passenger in the back seat, 38-year-old Travis Wayne Ward of Middlesboro.
All three were lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.
Michael David Ayers was charged with careless driving, trafficking controlled substance - 1st degree, 1st offense less than 2 grams - Methamphetamine, buying/possessing drug paraphernalia, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. He is being held without bond.
Amanda Beeler was charged with trafficking controlled substance 1st offense less than 2 grams – Methamphetamine and buying/possessing drug paraphernalia. Bond has not been set yet.
Travis Wayne Ward was charged with trafficking controlled substance 1st offense less than 2 grams – Methamphetamine and buying/possessing drug paraphernalia. Bond has not been set yet.
Also assisting was Kentucky State Trooper Taylor Mills.