East St. Louis motorist racks up charges in Troy
By Charles Bolinger
Editor • Chrissy J. Cronin knew what she did on June 24 was illegal yet she did it anyway.
That sums up Ofc. Cody Lucas’ official incident field report regarding this particular incident.
Luck watched a silver Dodge truck pass him on northbound I-55/70, between mile markers 15 and 16. He was parked in a turn-around and saw the driver turn away from me to the right so that her back and the back of her head was visible through the driver’s side window.
The truck exited onto US 40 eastbound. Lucas ran a computer check on the truck’s plate; it came back suspended.
Lucas activated his lights and siren and stopped Cronin at Troy Blvd. and US 40.
“I made contact with Cronin and informed her the reason for the stop. She immediately stated, “I know. I know.”
Lucas wrote that he saw the stem of a glass bulb pip in the passenger seat, which showed a burned white-and-black residue (methamphetamine).
“I requested a driver’s license and Cronin stated, “I don’t; it’s suspended.” Lucas verified with a records check.
As the two talked, Lucas watched her close her center console but not before he spotted a second glass stem.
Cronin told Lucas the truck belonged to her boyfriend but she did not believe he insured it. Lucas asked Cronin to step out, which she did. Sgt. Jessica Callhan arrived on scene and she searched Cronin, who had no contraband on her.
Two more officers, Cody Blackburn and Travis Wilson, arrived on scene to assist. A probable cause search of the truck was made. Under the truck’s rear seat Blackburn found two small plastic zip bags which contained a white powder residue. Lucas issued Cronin the following citations:
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Suspended registration
- Driving while license is suspended
- Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
- Improper traffic lane usage
Cronin signed the conditions of release paperwork and received a copy of it. A man named Randall T. Cooper arrived on scene to drive the truck away. The body camera footage, glass stems and zip bags were entered into evidence and/or photographed.
