Pittsburgh Traffic Stop Leads to Charges Against Houston Man

Earlier this week, Pittsburgh police were patrolling when they observed a black Pontiac Grand Prix with the driver-side headlight burned out. Officers initiated a traffic stop—one that ended with a Houston man being charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and Pittsburgh man being charged with drug offenses.

Officers said they observed the passenger of the vehicle making suspicious moves inside. Officers approached the vehicle with one officer approaching the passenger side.

Officers spoke with the passenger, later identified as Henry Williams, who police said smelled strongly of marijuana. Williams was asked to step from the vehicle. Officers checked the man for weapons and recovered a small plastic bag of

Marijuana—and ultimately recovered five Ecstasy capsules, 42 white stamped bags of heroin, $199 and a cell phone.

Upon search of the vehicle Officers recovered 31 white stamped bags heroin and a .40 caliber firearm with live rounds and obliterated serial numbers and a used

hypodermic needle on the floor of the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle identified as Brett Mechtel, 25, from Houston, and passenger Williams, 27, from the Pittsburgh, were both placed under arrest.

Mechtel was charged with general lighting requirements, paraphernalia-use of possession and delivery of a controlled substance.

Williams was charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, former convict not to own a firearm, altering or obliterating marks of identification, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana. There was also an outstanding bench warrant for Williams, police said.