Bertrand man charged after Miner police find stolen plates, meth paraphernalia during traffic stop

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MINER, Mo. (KBSI) — A Bertrand man faces multiple charges after Miner police said he was found driving a vehicle with stolen license plates and drug paraphernalia containing methamphetamine residue.

According to the Miner Police Department, officers received a Flock camera alert around 2:59 p.m. May 18 regarding a vehicle traveling on East Malone Avenue displaying stolen license plates.

Police said officers located the vehicle at Rhodes Convenience Store and confirmed through law enforcement databases that the plates had been reported stolen by the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said the driver, identified as 39-year-old Carl J. Gruber of Bertrand, admitted to taking the plates from a family member’s vehicle without permission. Officers also determined Gruber did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance.

During a consensual search of the vehicle, police said officers found drug paraphernalia containing residue that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Gruber was taken into custody and the vehicle was towed.

According to police, a probable cause affidavit was submitted to the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. An arrest warrant was later issued charging Gruber with possession of a controlled substance, failure to register a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a valid license, operating a vehicle without insurance and stealing less than $150.

Police said Gruber was transported to the Scott County Jail on a $20,000 cash or surety bond.