Pot, Meth And Loaded Gun Found During I-80 Stop: Cops

A South Dakota couple faces drug charges after allegedly being found with pot, methamphetamine and a loaded handgun during an Interstate 80 traffic stop this month, according to the Will County Sheriff's Office. Bruce J. Watson, 55, and Spring E. Watson, 60, both of Box Elder, South Dakota, were both charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of more than 100 grams of marijuana. Bruce Watson also was charged with armed violence.

The traffic stop happened around 1:15 a.m. April 13 along I-80, near Harlem Avenue, when a sheriff's deputy pulled over the RV the Watson's were because its registration was obscured by an SUV and motorbike the vehicle was towing, sheriff's office spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer said. During the stop, the deputy was able to see the RV's registration, which was expired, she said.

While the deputy was writing a warning, a K9 unit was called in to search the vehicle, according to Hoffmeyer. During the search, 249 grams of pot and 17.5 grams of meth were found, she said. A loaded .45 caliber pistol and an unloaded rifle also were discovered, she added.

RELATED: Man Makes 10 Nuisance 911 Calls, Then Fakes Seizure: Cops

Hoffmeyer said deputies did not know why the couple was in the area. They were ordered held on $75,000 bail and were released, according to Will County Jail records.

Bruce J. Watson (left) and Spring Waston (Photos via Will County Sheriff's Office)