Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest on U.S. Highway 70 West

CLEVELAND, N.C. — Cleveland Police arrested a man on multiple drug charges following a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 70 West earlier this month.

According to the Cleveland Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop for speeding on January 8, 2026, at approximately 10:32 p.m. near West End School Street. During the stop, officers made contact with a rear passenger and detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Police said a deputy from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist, and a K-9 was deployed. The K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal substances inside the vehicle.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a bookbag containing marijuana residue. The bag belonged to the rear passenger, identified as Rexie Franklin Pychon. A subsequent search revealed Pychon was in possession of approximately 9.6 grams of methamphetamine, nine pills of a Schedule IV controlled substance, along with drug paraphernalia and marijuana paraphernalia.

Pychon was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. He was placed under a $10,000 secured bond.

Police noted that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.