NPD: Meth, guns, knives, brass knuckle handle found during traffic stop

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Two people are in custody in northeast Nebraska facing drug charges after a traffic stop in Norfolk early Tuesday morning.

At approximately 1:40 a.m., a Norfolk Police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for driving without their headlights on, according to NPD Capt. Michael Bauer.

The officer reported having contact with the driver who was identified as 52-year-old Steven E. Plessel, and passenger Jennifer L. Perrin, 40, of Norfolk.

During the stop, Norfolk’s police service dog, Kane, was deployed around the vehicle. PSD Kane reportedly alerted and indicated to the odor of a controlled substance near the driver’s door.

Officers then searched the vehicle, reportedly recovering a small plastic baggie of methamphetamine, a syringe that tested positive for methamphetamine, and a box that contained several broken drug pipes as well as used and unused syringes.

Along with the controlled substances, officers reported finding a loaded 9mm pistol from under the driver’s seat, an unloaded revolver from the back seat, a loaded shotgun in the trunk, and two large knives, one of which had a brass knuckle handle.

Plessel was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony. Perrin was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Both were housed in the Norfolk City Jail and later transferred to the Madison County Jail.