{KXLG – Watertown, SD} On Sunday, October 6th, 2024, at approximately 6:42 PM, an officer with the Watertown Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica in the 1300 block of 9th Avenue SE for a vehicle equipment violation. During the stop, the officer reasonably suspected illegal substances in the vehicle. After the driver denied consent to search the vehicle, a K9 officer was called to the scene.
The Police Service Dog was alerted to the presence of illegal substances inside the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed methamphetamine, a hydrocodone pill, oxycodone pills, and multiple drug paraphernalia items. The vehicle’s operator, Heather Painter, 47, from Starbuck, MN, was arrested on three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving while Suspended, and Glass Impairing the Operator’s Vision.
The passenger, Joshua Monson, 42, also from Starbuck, MN, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Ingesting a Controlled Drug, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Painter and Monson are currently held at the Codington County Detention Center awaiting bond.
The incident remains under investigation by the Watertown Police Department, and additional charges are pending.