Washington County Woman Charged with Drug Trafficking After Being Found Asleep Behind the Wheel

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Washington County woman is facing multiple felony drug charges after police reportedly discovered suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine inside her vehicle Friday, July 3, 2026.

According to court documents, officers with the Potosi Police Department responded to the 500 block of Cheryl Drive after receiving a report of a person slumped over behind the wheel of a vehicle.

When officers arrived, they found Karen Sue Elkins asleep behind the wheel of a silver Pontiac sedan. Court records state officers opened the vehicle door, woke Elkins and asked her to step out of the vehicle.

Authorities said Elkins told officers she had simply been sleeping and denied being under the influence of narcotics. However, she reportedly admitted she had last used narcotics the day before.

During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly located 26 pink and blue pills, four green and blue pills, three plastic baggies containing a white crystal substance and multiple glass smoking pipes with residue. According to the probable cause statement, one of the glass pipes was found beneath the vehicle's gas pedal.

Investigators also reportedly recovered a lighter, a red and white straw and an orange razor blade from inside a pink makeup bag.

Police field-tested the pills, which allegedly tested positive for fentanyl.

According to court documents, two of the plastic baggies, weighing approximately 21.5 grams and 15.7 grams, tested positive for methamphetamine. A third baggie, weighing approximately 4.1 grams, reportedly tested positive for both methamphetamine and cocaine.

Elkins has been charged with two counts of Second-Degree Drug Trafficking, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Prior Drug Offense.