Three suspected methamphetamine users are being accused of running amuck in the Jackson Rancheria Casino's parking garage.

Around 4 in the morning on Sept. 27, an Amador County Sheriff's Deputy was driving through the lower parking lot of the casino when he noticed a man trying to force his way into a Ford Explorer. When confronted, the suspect - Jason Lee Rydel of Ione - told the deputy that the truck belonged to his girlfriend and he did not have the key. The unimpressed deputy ran the Ford's registration through his computer, learning it belonged to a different owner than Rydel's girlfriend.

Aware the deputy's investigation was not going well for him, Rydel attempted to run away. According to Amador County Undersheriff Jim Wegner, the fleeing man bolted "through the parking area, toward New York Ranch Road, then back toward the casino." Wegner added that, as Rydel scrambled, the deputy saw him toss an object.

The 33-year-old lost his foot race with the deputy and was placed in handcuffs. When the officer began back-tracking Rydel's flight pattern, he located the object that had been tossed. According to sheriff's officials, it was a clear plastic baggy containing methamphetamine.

While taking control of Rydel with back-up from Jackson and Sutter Creek police officers, the deputy was advised by Jackson Rancheria security that a woman had entered the breached Ford explorer and removed items from it. The deputy was also told that those items had been stashed inside a nearby Honda Accord.

Sheriff's deputies soon confronted two women inside the Accord. While searching the vehicle, the officers allegedly discovered more methamphetamine and a crystal meth pipe that belonged to one of the female suspects, 29-year-old Michele Elaine Smith of Angels Camp. Deputies also said they recovered "unlawfully possessed narcotic prescription medications."

Rydel is facing numerous felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance, providing false identification to a peace officer and obstructing and resisting a peace officer. Rydel was also arrested on an active, no bail, Amador Superior Court warrant for possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license.

Smith was arrested for possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.