A 45-year-old Modesto man was arrested Tuesday, August 25 by a Ceres Police officer who witnessed him transact a drug purchase in the parking lot of the Vineyard 76 gas station on Whitmore Avenue.

At 1:30 p.m. Officer Matthew Myers was parked and spotted Dustin Cribbet walk toward the rear of the business with a bicycle and backpack. A short time later, a vehicle pulled up and parked near Cribbet. The driver walked over to Cribbet and put something in Cribbet’s hand. They quickly parted ways when they noticed they were being watched.

The two moved to another side of the building where they appeared to be exchanging something. Believing he had just witnessed a drug transaction, Officer Myers contacted Cribbet who was uncooperative. He refused to identify himself even though Officer Myers recognized Cribbet from prior contacts and knew he was on probation. 

Officer Myers confirmed Cribbet’s probation status and searched him. Cribbet told Officer Myers that he was in possession of a methamphetamine and a glass meth pipe. Officer Myers removed a small plastic baggy containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass meth pipe from Cribbet’s front pockets.

Cribbet was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation.