3 people arrested after 92 grams of methamphetamine found during traffic stop

TYLER, Texas — Three people were arrested Tuesday after law enforcement found more than 92 grams of methamphetamine and items related to the sale of narcotics during a traffic stop in Smith County.

Jacob Edward Kovarik, 44, Brandy Havard Franklin, 31, and Brandy Yvette Rucker, 48, were all booked into the Smith County Jail after the stop on U.S. Highway 271 North in Smith County.

Kovarik was arrested for evading arrest/detention with a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance as well as a parole violation. Franklin and Rucker were both charged with manufacturing and/or delivery of a controlled substance, according to the Smith County Sheriff's Office.

The vehicle failed to stop and sped away when a Smith County Pct. Officer #5 attempted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Kovarik, parked in the parking lot of the Texas Best Smokehouse on Highway 271 at the intersection of Interstate 20. He dropped off a woman before evading officers who were heading towards south on the highway, the sheriff's office said.

Kovarik turned around and headed north until he came back to the Texas Best Smokehouse parking lot. He got out of the vehicle and ran into the woods near the field. He was arrested a short time later, SCSO said.

During the pursuit, a Smith County Sheriff's Office K9 deputy stopped the woman exiting the vehicle and identified her as Franklin. The deputy also arrested Rucker as she tried to help Franklin.

After searching the vehicle, officers found 92.6 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and several clear baggies. The Sheriff's Office said this evidence demonstrated the possible manufacture and/or sale of illegal narcotics.

Smith County Party. 4 Constable's Office, part of Smith County. The 1st Constable's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety also assisted in the arrests.