Roaring Spring Traffic Stop Results in Felony Drug Charges

Two Roaring Spring men are being charged with felony drug crimes after a routine traffic stop.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, Bedford, at approximately 9:12 a.m. on May 21, a white Ford Mustang driven by James B. Weir was pulled over for an inoperable brake light at the intersection of Woodbury Pike and Spang Street, Roaring Spring.

The police report stated that Weir was observed to be “overly nervous” and his hands visibly shaking. The officer, who was wearing a protective mask, requested consent to search the car and Weir denied the request.

According to PSP, Joseph D. Rininger and a female who were occupants in the vehicle were asked to exit the vehicle. Additional officers arrived on scene and on approach of the vehicle, could smell marijuana coming from the car and marijuana residue was visible in the vehicle.

Weir admitted to officers that there “may be part of a marijuana cigarette” in the ashtray and more marijuana in the vehicle.

According to police, a probable cause search of the vehicle turned up numerous individually packaged bags of marijuana, two bags of crystal meth, a scale and related drug paraphernalia in a blue backpack belonging to Weir in the back seat. Weir then stated to police that he does sell marijuana.

Upon continuing the search, police found two stamp bags of crystal meth in the glove box and numerous stamp bags of crystal meth in a white container weighing approximately 17 grams underneath the passenger seat. A camouflage printed backpack was found containing several clear stamp bags, a scale and several related pieces of drug paraphernalia along with male clothing and a prescription pill bottle with Rininger’s name on it.

Police then contacted Rininger’s probation office and they issued a detainer for him. While searching Rininger prior to placing him in the backseat of the patrol car, $1,261 was found in his front pocket.

Both men are being charged with a felony charge of possession with intent to deliver and other misdemeanor charges.

Weir’s bail was set at $25,000. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing set for June 25.

Rininger was unable to post $20,000 bail and is awaiting his June 25 preliminary hearing at the Blair County Prison.