LEWISTON, ID – A traffic stop along U.S. Highway 95 in Lewiston resulted in the arrest of an Orofino man on multiple felony drug charges after methamphetamine, hydrocodone, and a loaded firearm were discovered in his possession, according to court records.
On Saturday evening, an ISP trooper observed a northbound Chevrolet Tahoe reportedly traveling above the posted speed limit near milepost 310 on US95 in Lewiston. The vehicle allegedly failed to yield immediately after emergency lights were activated. The Tahoe continued through an intersection and allegedly weaved along the fog line for an unusually long amount of time before coming to a stop.
The driver was identified as 63-year-old Arthur Charles Eckermann, of Orofino. A female passenger was also in the vehicle. According to a probable cause affidavit, both occupants showed physical signs consistent with drug use. A drug detection canine from the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office was deployed and gave a positive alert on the vehicle.
During a search of the Tahoe, troopers found a loaded Ruger .357 revolver near the driver’s seat, a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue, and a duffel bag in the back seat containing three separate bags of suspected methamphetamine. One of the bags allegedly weighed approximately 16.8 grams, containing meth in large shards, a second bag weighed 4.7 grams, and a third bag 1.2 grams. Officers also recovered Idaho Fish and Game hunting tags issued to Eckermann in the same duffel bag.
The affidavit states that Eckermann initially denied knowledge of any drugs in the vehicle but later admitted there was “a bag of dope” inside. During booking at the Nez Perce County Jail, he was also found to have two loose hydrocodone pills on his person that he had not disclosed during the arrest process.
Eckermann was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, all felonies under Idaho law. His passenger was also arrested and booked on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both individuals were transported to the Nez Perce County Jail. Eckermann appeared in court on Monday. Bond was set at $25,000.
