Suspicious Vehicle Investigation Yields Major Narcotics Discovery

On February 15, 2026, at approximately 7:34 a.m., Deputies Moran and Ogas of the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at the Mobil Gas Station, 380 N. Main Street in Lone Pine. A concerned citizen reported a vehicle parked in the lot with the engine running and the driver unresponsive behind the wheel.

Upon arrival, deputies observed a male subject, later identified as Emmanuel Hernandez Torres, unconscious in the driver’s seat. A methamphetamine bong was visible in the cup holder. The subject was determined to be under the influence of a central nervous stimulant but was not in medical distress. He was taken into custody without incident.

After securing Torres, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle. They located two separate bags containing a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, along with items commonly associated with the use and sale of controlled substances. The suspected methamphetamine weighed in at a little over 1.2 pounds.

Emmanuel Hernandez Torres was transported and booked into the Inyo County Jail on the following charges:

• HS 11364(a) – Possession of drug paraphernalia

• HS 11377(a) – Possession of a controlled substance

• HS 11379(a) – Transportation of a controlled substance

• HS 11550(a) – Under the influence of a controlled substance

• HS 11352(a) – Sale/transportation of a controlled substance

All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 760-878-0383.