Maricopa Man Caught with Fake California Plates Sparks Major Meth Bust Near Police Station

Maricopa is no stranger to reckless driving, but a recent incident has captured attention due to its severity. Eric W. Lay, a 38-year-old resident of Saddleback Farms, was apprehended at 2 a.m. Tuesday while towing a trailer identified as stolen.

Lay was spotted maneuvering his gray Toyota Tacoma along Bowlin Road, boasting a California plate. Quick investigation revealed that the trailer had been stolen from Phoenix, raising immediate red flags for the officers of the Maricopa Police Department.

In an unusual move, Lay pulled over prior to any police lights being activated. With the Maricopa Police Station nearby, officers swiftly instructed him to exit his vehicle and detained him for possessing stolen property.

A search revealed 29 suspected fentanyl pills and two baggies of methamphetamine. When queried about the pills, Lay described them as “just blue pills” but implied knowledge of their true nature.

The situation escalated when authorities discovered that the license plate on Lay’s Tacoma was also stolen. Additionally, they uncovered cut copper piping hidden beneath the passenger seat and seven chain-link fences secured to the trailer.

According to police reports, “These items were confiscated for further review. Charges for these items may come at a later date upon further investigation.” Lay’s history includes 22 previous charges in traffic courts within Maricopa and the greater Phoenix area.

Consequently, he was booked into Pinal County jail on multiple charges, including possession of dangerous drugs, theft, and exhibiting a fraudulent license plate. He now faces the possibility of over 16½ years in prison for these new offenses.