On February 11, 2022, just before midnight, an Anniston Police officer saw a vehicle traveling in the area of the 1700 block of Morrisville Road that was driving erratically. The officer conducted a traffic stop to make sure the driver was not having a medical issue or possibly driving while impaired. As the officer was speaking to the driver, later identified as Kenneth Gardner Sr., 56, of Anniston, he saw Gardner attempt to kick something under his seat. Gardner began to become verbally argumentative with the officer as they continued to interact. The officer then saw a suspicious bag in the jacket of Gardner and asked him to step out of the car. Gardner refused the officer and a struggle ensued between the officer and Gardner.
When officers were able to finally get Gardner out of the vehicle he continued to violently fight. Additional officers arrived to help with taking Gardner into custody, but Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles stated, “It was a pretty long fight”. Officers did utilize department issued Tasers on two separate occasions and were finally able to subdue Gardner and take him into custody. When officers searched Gardner, they located two bags containing what they believe to be methamphetamine. The total weight of the suspected narcotic was 119 grams (a little over ¼ of a pound). The weight to determine trafficking charges is 28 grams.
Chief Bowles said, “We don’t publicize every drug arrest we make but this was a larger amount”. He also stated, “Drugs are plaguing our communities across the country, and we will work hard on each shift to get these dangerous drugs out of Anniston”. Chief Bowles went on to say “Both myself and the community appreciate everything they [officers] do every day”
Gardner was transported to RMC and is currently under guard until he is released and transported to the Calhoun County Jail.
