On July 6, 2026, at 11:43 p.m. Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Gray 2012 Nissan Pathfinder for speeding on US 41 near State Road 68. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputies detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Deputy Michael Bates, a certified Drug Recognition Expert detected clues that the driver, 47-year-old Echeva Wynn of Tampa, Florida may be impaired. At that point he began a roadside OWI investigation. Once the investigation was completed Deputy Bates had probable cause to arrest Mr. Wynn for Operating While Intoxicated-Endangerment and Possession of Marijuana. Mr. Wynn was also cited for Speeding and for Unsafe Lane Movement.
Deputy Michael Bates was assisted in his investigation by Deputies Eric Powell and Wyatt Hunt.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
