A traffic stop Monday afternoon led to a short struggle with a law enforcement officer followed by a suspect being arrested on drug charges, Sheriff Brian Bellendir reports.

At about 12: 30 on Dec. 2, a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1999 Honda Accord traveling north on U.S. 281 at mile pole 106, just north of the city of Great Bend. The driver was stopped for an alleged traffic infraction.

“Upon contacting the driver, the deputy requested a valid driver’s license, and the driver refused to comply,” Bellendir stated in a news release. “After several requests, the driver was removed from the car and placed under arrest. A short struggle ensued during the encounter. Barton County Sheriff’s K9 Maxx was called to the scene and indicated the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle.

“Further investigation revealed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The driver was identified as Clayton Becker, age 39, of Russell Kansas. Becker was transported to the Barton County Jail without further incident where he was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid driver’s license in possession, interference with a law enforcement officer as well as driving without an interlock device as required. Becker remains in jail as of (Wednesday) morning in lieu of a $10,000 bond.”