Traffic stop in Fergus Falls leads to drug seizure and 4 arrests

Fergus Falls, MN – At approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday evening (May 4), an officer with the Fergus Falls Police Department conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Western Street and Lincoln Avenue.

As he approached the vehicle, the officer noticed that the vehicle’s occupants began “making furtive movements in a frantic manner,” according to court documents.

The officer observed signs of recent drug use and nervous behavior from some occupants, including the driver, David Bartlette, 35, of Fargo.

The officer removed Bartlette from the vehicle and conducted a search.

As the search was being conducted, the officer noticed one of the rear-seat passengers, Weston Espitia, 32, of Fargo, reaching into his pocket.

The officer then also searched Espitia, where a pocket knife was found in the suspect’s left pocket.

The officer ordered the other passengers (Kaitlyn Carroll, 26, of Elizabeth, and Nicole Clinton, 31, of Wahpeton) to exit the car and conducted a search of the vehicle.

According to the report, he found more than 15.3 grams of methamphetamine, 22.28 grams of heroin, 187 M30 fentanyl pills and various drug paraphernalia.

Bartlette was also found with $700 on him.

All 4 occupants were arrested and transported to the Otter Tail County Detention Center.

They face various drug charges, including first-degree drug sales, which could result in up to 30 years in prison.

The first court appearance took place earlier today.

(Not pictured: Weston Espitia)