OHIO — A Youngstown man who told police he “does not ride dirty” during a traffic stop was later found with fentanyl and crack cocaine in his possession, according to police reports.
Duane Eldridge, 29, was arrested late Thursday evening after officers pulled him over for traffic violations on West Princeton Avenue. Police said the vehicle had a cracked windshield and the driver backed into a driveway without using a turn signal.
During the stop, officers asked Eldridge whether there was anything illegal inside the vehicle. According to reports, he replied that he had nothing illegal and that he “does not ride dirty,” a slang term used to describe driving with illegal items in a vehicle.
Police asked Eldridge to step out of the car and received permission to search the vehicle. Officers reportedly discovered two bags of crack cocaine between the seats along with $816 in cash secured in a money band.
After being handcuffed, Eldridge was asked whether he had anything else on him before being transported to jail. Police said he told them he did, and after being uncuffed he removed three additional bags of crack cocaine and two bags of fentanyl from his underwear.
Eldridge was taken to the Mahoning County Jail and charged with possession of fentanyl, a second-degree felony, and possession of drugs, a fourth-degree felony. He also received traffic citations for the cracked windshield and improper turn.
Authorities said Eldridge is expected to be arraigned in municipal court.
