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He might have been having a medical emergency Jan. 27, but then he wouldn’t let a cop look in his jacket pocket.

Vonore Police Officer Alex Eckert said it was just before 10 p.m. when he was told about a reckless driver on Highway 72 West heading toward Vonore.

Eckert said he went to 72 and found the Jeep Wrangler he’d been told about and followed it down to Highway 411 where the driver crossed the yellow line several times while driving well below the speed limit in the passing lane.

Eckert said he stopped the car and identified the driver as Billy Bishop, who said he was lost and just trying to get home. Eckert said Bishop was driving in circles and appeared to be confused.

Eckert then called in EMS as Bishop said he was diabetic and his sugar might be high.

Eckert said Bishop did give permission to search his car and stepped to the curb with his dog. Nothing was found in the car and Bishop emptied his pockets and said Eckert could look in his pockets, but when Eckert tried to look in his jacket pocket, Bishop allegedly put his hand in the way.

Eckert told him to move his hand and then looked in and reportedly saw a bag with a crystal-like substance in it thought to be meth.

When asked what it was, Bishop allegedly said, “Probably dope.”

Eckert said Bishop later admitted it was meth and he had bought it in Vonore for $300.

Bishop, 54, Gene Drive, Madisonville, was charged with possession of meth for resale and two traffic violations.

His dog was picked up by his girlfriend.

michael.thomason@advocateanddemocrat.com