MAN DIES TRYING TO HIDE METH

Sheriff's Deputies Think Man Swallowed Numerous Grams During Traffic Stop

A Bowling Green man died early Friday after swallowing methamphetamine
during a traffic stop in Warren County.

Christopher Black, 24, died upon arrival at The Medical Center.

According to a Warren County Sheriff's Department release, deputies were on
routine patrol at 10:30 p.m. when they noticed a suspicious vehicle parked
in the driveway of the Alpine Lodge bed and breakfast at 5310 Morgantown Road.

As Deputy Mike Hatler approached the van, he saw Black duck below the
dashboard, the release said. When Hatler got to the van, he noticed a
white, powdery substance on Black's mouth. When he asked about it, the
other occupant of the car, Tammy Kinniard, 38, of Oakland told Hatler that
it was from marshmallows her daughter had left in the van. Kinniard later
said the substance was from crackers. Hatler also saw white powder on the
seats and floorboard of the van and on the ground outside it.

A test of the powder indicated it was methamphetamine. Hatler then asked
Black to step out of the vehicle and asked him if he had swallowed meth.
Black said no, according to the release. Hatler attempted to forcibly
remove the substance and Black spit it out and told Hatler it was meth.

According to the release, Halter called for an ambulance. Black died upon
arrival at The Medical Center, according to the release. Black's obituary
cites the time of death as 12:15 a.m. Friday.

Kinniard was also taken to The Medical Center, where she was admitted.

Warren County Sheriff's Detective B.B. Davis said the department is waiting
for toxicology reports, but believes that Black ingested up to 16 grams of
methamphetamine. He said Black spit out a little over 4 grams.

Davis said Kinniard escaped twice after she was apprehended and there was a
pursuit on foot, but she was captured shortly thereafter. He did not know
why Kinniard was admitted to the hospital.

Under a new federal law, hospitals can no longer give out information on
the conditions of patients.

Davis said the ambulance arrived nine to 10 minutes after it was called to
the scene. He did not know what time the ambulance was called.

Davis said Black indicated he was supposed to be under house custody at all
times for trafficking methamphetamine in Butler County.

Davis said the investigation is ongoing.