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Suspect facing drug, gun counts

A Monroe County man is set to appear in court following a traffic stop earlier this month.

John Grempel, 47, of Blakeslee, faces charges on drug and firearms counts.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by trooper Ryan Brands of the Pennsylvania State Police Lehighton barracks:

At 8:02 p.m. Nov. 10, Brands observed a white 2011 Chevrolet Silverado traveling in front of him and determined the registration was expired.

Brands initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at Mill Pond Road in Polk Township, near the intersection of Route 209.

Brands noticed Grempel’s pupils were constricted.

While Grempel was retrieving his documents, Brands noticed a black handgun inside Grempel’s waistband.

Brands asked Grempel to get out of the truck and disarmed him.

Grempel said he had a large quantity of methamphetamine on him, so Brands retrieved it from him and placed it in his patrol vehicle.

Grempel also said that he consumed methamphetamine about one hour before driving the vehicle.

Brands asked Grempel to complete standardized field sobriety tests, but Grempel was unable to.

Brands then asked Grempel to submit to a blood test, which he refused.

Grempel’s criminal history showed numerous offenses that would prohibit him from being in possession of a firearm.

Grempel is currently free on $50,000 bail.

Grempel is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Friday before District Judge Colleen Mancuso of Brodheadsville.