Sayre, OK – A local Sayre man, Jose Angel Rodriguez, was arrested on charges related to drug possession after an encounter with police at the Sayre Splash Pad. According to the arrest report, Rodriguez was stopped by an officer on September 15, 2024, while walking with a backpack in the vicinity of the splash pad, an area known for recent burglaries.

Officer suspicion arose due to the recent uptick in burglaries throughout the city, with suspects frequently using backpacks to transport stolen goods. Rodriguez was questioned about any involvement in these incidents, but he denied knowing anything about local burglaries or having stolen property.

When asked if he would consent to a search of his backpack, Rodriguez voluntarily complied. Prior to the search, the officer confirmed that Rodriguez had no weapons on him through a quick frisk. However, upon further questioning, Rodriguez revealed there was marijuana in the backpack but no other drugs or paraphernalia.

During the search, Rodriguez was instructed to empty his pockets. While complying with the officer’s request, he initially withheld the contents of his right pocket, raising suspicion. After repeated instructions, Rodriguez reluctantly emptied the pocket, revealing a clear plastic bag containing a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine and a small torch lighter.

Rodriguez was immediately detained on suspicion of possessing a controlled dangerous substance, believed to be methamphetamine. He informed officers that he had found the bag while dumpster diving and that it did not belong to him.

The substance has been sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for further testing. Rodriguez now faces charges, including possession of a controlled substance within 2,000 feet of a public park and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Further details will be released as the investigation continues.