Site last updated: Thursday, April 25, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

2 SRU students arrested on felony drug charges

SLIPPERY ROCK — A weekend traffic stop ended with two Slippery Rock University students arrested on felony drug charges, authorities said.

State police said they found more than 60 grams of suspected marijuana in the car that Mathilda R. Gaertner, 18, of Allison Park, Allegheny County, was driving around 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Slippery Rock. She is also accused of drugged driving.

Gaertner and her passenger, Richard D. Baker, 19, of Slippery Rock, were both arraigned on felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and misdemeanor charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Additionally, Gaertner is charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She also was cited for four traffic violations. Both defendants are free on unsecured bonds.

Trooper Philip Treadway was on patrol when he saw Gaertner's car run a red light on South Main Street and Kiester Road, police said. He eventually stopped her on Morrow Way.

The car smelled of marijuana, according to charging documents. Treadway, a certified drug recognition expert, suspected Gaertner was impaired following field sobriety tests.

During the investigation, police said they seized more than 2 ounces of suspected marijuana and a marijuana pipe from the car's back seat. Both defendants denied owning the marijuana.

Preliminary hearings for Gaertner and Baker are scheduled for Feb. 5 at the office of District Judge Bill O'Donnell in Slippery Rock. Online court records did not list attorneys for either defendant.

More in Local News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS