Driver Cited For Drug Possession, Paraphernalia On Hwy 275

A Norfolk man was cited and released for drug possession and paraphernalia following a traffic stop just east of Neligh early Thursday evening.

Neligh Police Chief Mike Wright said a complaint was received about a semi passing another vehicle in the turning lane of Highway 275 (11th Street) while going through Neligh. The driver allegedly continued to drive in the turning lane longer than necessary. 

Wright said he pulled the truck over just east of the Antelope Country Club on Highway 275 for speeding. Upon contact with the driver - Eric Witte of Norfolk - Wright said he smelled marijuana. Witte was cited for having possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, along with improper passing and speeding, according to the police chief.

There was also a commercial motor vehicle inspection by the Nebraska State Patrol with no additional citations issued. 

The semi was registered to Robin Olson of Atkinson. Wright said due to liability, the owner asked for Witte not to be allowed to continue driving the semi. Witte was released and transported to another location. The semi remained along Highway 275 for several hours until another driver arrived.

The Nebraska State Patrol and Antelope County Sheriff's Department assisted the Neligh Police Department with the traffic stop.