A routine traffic stop on St Rt 97 west, near the I-71 intersection, turned into a significant recovery of a large amount of suspected drugs and over $11,000 in cash, as well as the recovery of a stolen loaded firearm.
Off. Queen initiated a car stop on a 1997 Ford F-150 being driven by Robert Wheeler, 47 of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. During the stop, the officer detected an odor of what he believed to be marijuana coming from the vehicle. While speaking to the driver he was asked about the odor and if there was anything in the vehicle that he should be aware of? The driver advised there was a gun in the vehicle. The driver and the passenger, Amanda Higgs, 24, also of Mt. Vernon were then secured for officer safety.
An inventory incident to arrest of the vehicle uncovered the reported stolen firearm that was loaded. Also seized were several bags of alleged heroin, crystal meth, and possibly black tar heroin along with over $11,000.00 in cash. All were seized as evidence and the vehicle impounded for further investigation.
Mr. Wheeler was charged with Drug trafficking and Driving under Suspension and Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments. The passenger, Amanda Higgs was charged with Drug Trafficking and Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments. Both were transported to the Richland County Jail. Additional charges are pending review by the Richland County Prosecutors Office.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance during the stop.
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