Staff Writer

Two Union men face drug charges after a traffic stop by public safety officers Wednesday.

Michael Jerome Henderson, 31, of 300 Perrin Ave., Union, was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, distribution of cocaine and distribution of cocaine within one-half mile of a school.

Jay Nolan Gist, 35, of 303 Scott St., Union, was charged with possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

A report said Cpl. Scott Coffer saw a burgundy Chevrolet driven by Henderson pull into the parking lot at Kentucky Fried Chicken. He was informed by Sgt. Larry Robinson that there were arrest warrants on Henderson. According to warrants signed by Investigator Mickey Parker, Henderson sold cocaine to an undercover operative with the public safety department on Oct. 29 on Perrin Avenue, which is in proximity to USC-Union.

As the Chevrolet approached the drive-thru window, Coffer, Robinson, Officer David Lee and Officer Eddie Williams entered the lot and blocked in the car with their patrol cars. They told Henderson to step out of the car.

Henderson was searched and a large quantity of marijuana was found in his front pants pocket along with a white powder substance believed to be cocaine.

Coffer asked the passenger, Gist, to step out. As Coffer opened the door he saw a bag of what is believed to be marijuana in the door. Gist was searched and officers found another bag of marijuana and a medicine bottle with a white rock-like substance believed to be crack inside.

A High Point 9 mm pistol was found in the center console of the vehicle.

Both men are being held in the Union County Jail.