Published: May 13, 2008 09:57 am         

Police investigate botched drug deal

TRAVERSE CITY Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputies are investigating an apparent botched drug deal.

The alleged incident started about 7:45 p.m. Saturday outside Kmart at the Cherryland Center in Garfield Township. A suspect in a vehicle allegedly approached a woman and asked her to buy methadone, authorities said. The woman allegedly agreed to the $160 transaction and entered the shopping center supposedly to get the drug.

The first suspect drove to the back of the complex and saw the woman enter a vehicle and drive off, sheriff's deputies said. At South Airport Road and Cass Street, the first suspect called authorities and reported the incident. Both vehicles, which contained a total of four people, were stopped on Sleights Road and details of the alleged drug deal surfaced, authorities said.

Police said the woman allegedly planned to use the $160 to buy heroin, and she and an accomplice were arrested on felony charges of violating probation.