For the first time in Northeast Ohio, state troopers made an arrest under the state's new "hidden compartment" law.
The bust happened yesterday on the turnpike in Lorain County.
They pulled over the driver for speeding, but then troopers noticed several wires running to the back of the car.
Those wires then led them directly to a hidden compartment.
Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday state troopers made the arrest under the law, which is meant to combat criminals who modify the inside of their car, allowing them to store drugs or weapons inside secret compartments, which can often only be accessed electronically.
"During the search, they noticed some components inside the vehicle that did not appear to be factory," says Lt. Michael Combs with State Highway Patrol.
Channel 3 was not able to shoot video of that car right now because it is being held as evidence, but we can tell you it's "hide" was accessed electronically, meaning you needed to perform a series of events in the correct order, and the the false floor seats or taillights would then pop out, revealing the secret compartment.
The giveaway this time? Troopers noticed an overwhelming smell of raw marijuana which gave them probable cause to search the car.
Hidden compartments are only illegal when used to transport drugs or other contraband.
"We figured it out and followed the wiring and we were able to get it open," says Combs.
Troopers arrested 30-year-old Norman Gurley, who didn't even have any drugs on him, but it didn't matter, because in Ohio, just driving a "trap" car is now a felony.
"Without the hidden compartment law, we would not have had any charges on the suspect," says Combs.
But because of this law, one more "trap car" is now off Northeast Ohio roads.
"We apparently caught them between runs, so to speak, so this takes away one tool they have in their illegal trade. The law does help us and is on our side," says Combs.
Gurley, who is from Michigan, was arraigned this morning and has since posted bond.
Combs says the "hide" in Gurley's car was big enough to carry several pounds of drugs.
