Tamaqua traffic stop results in arrest

Scott Hampton, 54, of Tamaqua, was charged with resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a vehicle code violation after a traffic stop in Tamaqua on Jan. 6.

An officer on patrol at 2:30 p.m. noticed the rear lighting system on a 1997 Oldsmobile wasn’t working. He stopped the car on Center Street and identified Hampton as the driver.

Hampton kept trying to reach into his pockets, which earned him a warning from the officer. He failed to listen and was asked to exit the vehicle, which prompted him to again reach into his pockets. He told the officer he wasn’t sure what was in the pockets and was asked to empty them.

He pulled out several clear bags and then threw them. When told he was going to be charged with possession of drugs, Hampton pulled away from the officer and attempted to eat the evidence. After a short struggle, the officer, with help from a civilian, was able to subdue Hampton and handcuff him.