by Sequim Gazette Staff

A 74-year-old Port Angeles man is charged with possession of a controlled substance after police say they found nearly seven grams of crack cocaine in his car.

Bill Joe Gray was driving westbound on U.S. Highway 101 in Carlsborg when a Washington State Patrol trooper pulled him over for having a cracked taillight, Trooper Krista Hedstrom said.

The trooper noticed a pipe sitting on the driver’s seat and called for backup.

According to an investigation narrative, when asked about the pipe Gray said he had smoked marijuana and told the troopers he had some in the car.

But instead of finding any leafy green substances, the troopers found white powdery clusters that later tested positive for cocaine, according to the report.

A search of the car yielded a total of 6.9 grams of crack cocaine, police said.

Gray pleaded not guilty to the charge Feb. 25 in Clallam County Superior Court.

His trial is scheduled for May.