Three cited after Coaldale stop

Three people were cited by Coaldale police after a traffic stop on April 1.

An officer was monitoring traffic at 1:45 a.m. when he saw a green Chevrolet Blazer pull out into the traffic lane without using a turn signal. The officer stopped the SUV and identified the three occupants as Jason A. Houser, 38, of 242 Van Gelder St., Tonya Ann Stahler, 29, of 317 Washington St., both of Tamaqua; and Douglas James Schartel, 34, of 747 Pottsville St., Lykens. Houser was driving the vehicle.

The officer issued a warning to Houser about making improper turns, then asked if Houser would consent to having his vehicle searched. Houser agreed.

Under the rear seat officers found a folded $20 bill containing a brown, powdery substance. All three occupants denied any knowledge of the bill or the powder, which field tested positive for heroin.

All three were charged with possession of a controlled substance, while Houser has an additional charge of making an improper turn.