Columbia police arrest man accused of drug possession, vehicle tampering

Detectives with the Columbia Police Department said that while they were patrolling the 1800 block of I-70 Drive Southwest Thursday night, they spotted a vehicle displaying license plates matching another car.

While speaking with the passengers in a black Land Rover, officers said they spotted a gun and a small baggie that appeared to contain drugs in the center console.

The detectives said they also spotted a driver’s license for Michael Whitley that was covering the VIN, preventing them from checking to see if the vehicle was reported stolen.

Officers waited for Whitney to return to the SUV and drive away, at which point they performed a traffic stop in the 1500 block of West Worley Street.

The driver was Whitney and police found that his license was suspended.

When they searched the vehicle, detectives say they tested the substance in the baggie, which turned out to be meth.

The VIN of the car revealed it was reported stolen.

Whitley was arrested for possession of controlled substance, first-degree tampering, operating a motor vehicle with suspended license, unlawful for certain persons to possess a concealed weapon, and unlawful use of a weapon.