Joplin bicyclist to police: I've got dope in my backpack

A stop for a bicycle traffic violation turned into a felony charge for a Joplin man Saturday.

A felony possession of a controlled substance charge was filed against Fredrick B. Utter (DOB 1964), Joplin. His initial appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. November 27 in Jasper County Circuit Court.

According to the probable cause statement, Utter had been cited numerous times for bicycle violations, but when he was stopped this time he "made spontaneous utterances that he had dope in his backpack."

From the probable cause statement:

During a probable cause search at the jail a small baggie, weighing 0.95 grams, with a white crystal substance suspected to be methamphetamine was located. Another larger baggie, weighing 8 grams, with a brown and white crystallized powder substance was located. 

Under Miranda Warning Utter admitted to the substances being methamphetamine. Utter said the brown and white substance was methamphetamine he scraped out of his water bong. 

The smaller baggie tested on the True Narc system as methamphetamine. The larger baggie tested as inconclusive. The substances have been sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Lab for official weight and testing. Also located in Utter’s backpack was a used methamphetamine pipe with residue and four used syringes. I also located multiple small plastic baggies in the same pocket.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.