LEWISTON, ID – A California woman was arrested in Lewiston after officers reportedly discovered more than 29 grams of suspected methamphetamine and over $1,700 in cash during a traffic stop, according to court documents filed in Nez Perce County.
An affidavit filed Wednesday in the Second Judicial District Court shows 60-year-old Dianna Lynn Biats was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, a felony.
According to reports from the Lewiston Police Department, officers were initially dispatched on Tuesday around 5:00 p.m. for multiple reports of an erratic driver in the area of Than Grade in a silver GMC SUV with California license plates. Responding officers first observed the vehicle and its driver, later identified as Biats of Ventura, California, at the intersection of 21st Street and 11th Avenue. The vehicle allegedly bumped into a curb, reversed, and then continued northbound on 21st Street.
Police positioned themselves behind Biats’ vehicle and activated emergency lights. The vehicle turned right onto 8th Avenue. According to the LPD incident report, after initially appearing to begin to pull over, the vehicle rapidly accelerated and the officer advised dispatch that the vehicle may be attempting to flee. But the driver reportedly “jerked” the vehicle to the right side of the road, stopping quickly in the 2200 block of 8th Avenue.
Police noted on their report that Biats appeared disoriented and was unable to sit still during the traffic stop. Officers said her speech was slow and drawn out, and her pupils appeared pinpointed. Biats was later detained on suspicion of driving under the influence.
During a search of her vehicle, officers reportedly located a methamphetamine pipe and two baggies containing a white crystalline substance, which tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Court documents say the total weight of the suspected drugs was listed as 29.2 grams. Additional THC vape devices, marijuana, and cash were also found.
Biats reportedly told police the drugs belonged to a man named “Tom,” who she claimed had left them in her vehicle to be retrieved later. Officers also found $1,709 in cash, which they seized as possible evidence of narcotics trafficking.
Biats was booked into the Nez Perce County Jail and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under the influence.
Biats appeared in court on Wednesday. Bond was set at $250,000. Judge Karin Seubert ordered a competency evaluation. A review of the evaluation has been set for November 7.
