One arrested after drugs seized by Mississippi County Sheriff's Department

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A central Missouri woman faces felony drug and assault charges following a traffic stop in Mississippi County.

Krista Golden Hardcastle, 25, of Villa Ridge is charged with felony second degree assault on a law enforcement officer and felony delivery of a controlled substance.

According to Mississippi County Sheriff Cory Hutcheson, the investigation began last week when the Sheriff's Office developed information that a person from central Missouri would deliver a large quantity of methamphetamine to East Prairie.

On Thursday, Capt. Barry Morgan and Sgt. Ryan Hill observed a vehicle registered to a central Missouri resident traveling on State Highway 80, and after observing several traffic violations, conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

During the encounter, the driver was asked to exit the vehicle and upon doing so, reportedly kicked one of the deputies in the chest and attempted to flee the scene.

At that time, Hardcastle was placed under arrest and transported to the Mississippi County Detention Center. Following the arrest, deputies looked inside the vehicle and discovered a quarter pound of methamphetamine concealed within the door.

Hardcastle remains in the Mississippi County Detention Center with bond set at $25,000 cash.