Traffic stop leads to arrest of suspected drug dealer in Lincoln

A traffic stop late last year ultimately resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Lincoln. 

On November 10, 2018, a Lincoln Police officer stopped a car near 14th Street and O Street because the color of the vehicle didn’t match what was listed on its registration, according to an arrest affidavit. 

Suspecting narcotic activity, the officer requested a K9 unit, which determined there was probable cause to search the vehicle. 

Officers said Matthew Hammers, 36, was in front passenger seat of the car. 

A bag with 2.1 grams of meth, digital scale, and two small baggies were located in the front of the vehicle, according to the affidavit. 

Video footage from inside the police cruiser showed Hammers digging into the seat of his pants and throwing something on the floor, which was later discovered to be tablets of N-ethylpentylone, a designer drug similar to meth, according to the affidavit. 

Officers said multiple conversations via text message and messaging apps found after obtaining a search warrant for Hammers’ phone indicated he was involved in the distribution of meth, prescription pills, and marijuana. 

Hammers was arrested for intent to deliver a controlled substance and booked in Lancaster County Jail on Wednesday.