A Joshua Tree man was arrested Thursday evening, accused of selling drugs. According to Sheriff’s Sergeant Steve Wilson, a woman was traveling on Broadway near Sunset about 7:45 p.m. when she says she was approached by a man who wanted a ride. When Deputy Lett approached in his patrol unit to investigate, the vehicle, which was parked with its lights on on the shoulder of the road, turned its lights off. Deputy Lett checked the vehicle, and found Darren Caudel, 43, whom he knew to be on parole. When Caudel got out of the truck, a knife fell out of his pocket. Deputy Lett searched Caudel and the vehicle and found 10.5 grams of methamphetamine. Darren Caudel was arrested for investigation of transporting a controlled substance, failure to appear in court, and for a warrant for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Darren Caudel was booked at the West Valley Detention Center with his total bail set at $100,000.
