Midland, TX — A late-night traffic stop in Midland led to the arrest of a 42-year-old man and the discovery of a runaway teenager, along with suspected crack cocaine, according to the Midland Police Department.
Flock Camera Alert Sparks Stop
On August 1, just before midnight, a Flock Safety camera alerted officers to a white 2007 Lincoln Navigator in the area of N. Big Spring Street and W. Cuthbert Avenue. The vehicle was linked to Ahmad Saleem Madyun, who had an active warrant and a prior conviction for assaulting a peace officer.
Officers initiated a felony stop after also noting the vehicle had unconfirmed insurance. Madyun was in the driver’s seat with two female juveniles as passengers.
Runaway Teen Found
Authorities discovered that one of the passengers was a runaway reported missing just days earlier. Records indicate Madyun had been previously found with the same teen on at least two occasions, including at a local motel on July 24, and had been arrested before in connection with harboring her.
Drugs Discovered in Drug-Free Zone
During the stop, officers found a small plastic baggie with a white powdery substance in Madyun’s pocket, suspected to be crack cocaine. Additional baggies with residue were located inside the vehicle. Because the stop occurred within 1,000 feet of the Midland YMCA, the narcotics charge carries a drug-free zone enhancement.
Charges and Bond
Madyun faces multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury — Second-degree felony, $250,000 bond
- Possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone — Third-degree felony, $20,000 bond
- Harboring a runaway child — Class A misdemeanor, $5,000 bond
He was also booked on Class C theft and failure to appear charges on August 2. His total bond is set at $275,000. As of August 5, Madyun remains in the Midland County Detention Center.
Dangers of Drug Abuse and Child Exploitation
Authorities stress that drug activity involving minors poses a dual threat — exposing young people to substance abuse risks and increasing the potential for exploitation. Crack cocaine use can cause severe addiction, organ damage, and long-term mental health issues. Harboring runaway children often exposes them to environments where violence, trafficking, and coercion are more likely.
Local law enforcement urges the public to report suspected drug activity or missing juveniles immediately to help protect vulnerable youth.
Do you think penalties should be harsher for drug offenses involving minors? Share your thoughts in the comments.
