A 35-year-old Modesto driver was arrested on drug charges after he was pulled over for speeding and nearly running into a pedestrian on Wednesday evening, July 22. 

Arrested was Claudio Barron-Vasquez, 35, of Modesto.

At 7:50 p.m. Officer Eric Gallegos saw his van make a southbound turn onto Ninth Street from eastbound Roeding Road at a high rate of speed where he nearly hit a pedestrian crossing the street. Gallegos pulled activated his emergency lights as the suspect made a quick turn onto a long driveway in the 3400 block of Ninth Street. 

During his contact with Barron-Vasquez, Gallegos saw a small baggie containing green pills next the driver seat. Officer Gallegos inquired about the pills and Claudio told him that they were OxyContin that he had found. 

Claudio’s driver’s license had been suspended. During a search of the vehicle, a digital scale, another baggie containing broken OxyContin pills, and approximately 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine were located. 

Claudio was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sale, transportation of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.