An Amite man celebrated his birthday with a trip to the Washington Parish Jail, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday, WPSO Patrol Deputy Phillip Varnado observed a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner westbound on Highway 10, Haley said. Deputy Varnado activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle, which was driven by Terry Wayne Stevens, 42, a resident of Highway 1061 near Amite.

At that time, WPSO Patrol Lt. Michele Clayton arrived on the scene and observed a methamphetamine pipe in plain view in the cup holder of the vehicle, Haley said. Deputy Varnado then placed Stevens under arrest and a wrecker was called to tow the vehicle.

While inventorying the contents of the vehicle, the officers discovered a small bag of marijuana, a white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine, a revolver, digital scales used to weigh narcotics for distribution, a marijuana grinder and rolling papers. In addition, there was an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

Stevens was transported to the Washington Parish Jail and booked on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, having an open container in his vehicle, driving left of center and having no proof of insurance. As of Monday morning, Stevens remained in jail with his bond set at $25,000.

“I’m certain Mr. Stevens didn’t intend to go to jail on his birthday,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “But that is exactly where he landed. Congratulations to Deputy Varnado on a good traffic stop and the confiscation of illegal drugs. Once again, drugs were removed from our community.

“This is a good reminder to anyone in our parish that chooses to violate the law. When we catch you, we will put you in jail. Thanks, Deputy Varnado and Lt. Clayton, for a job well done.”