OHIO — Two Richwood residents were arrested on multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop in Washington Township that also resulted in an overdose response, according to the Washington Township Police Department.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:09 p.m. on May 29 near Main Street and Burkhart Avenue. Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by 57-year-old Jason Ford after a registration check showed his driver’s license was suspended.
Officers reported observing signs of possible drug use after making contact with Ford and his passenger, 40-year-old Samantha Lawrence. Authorities said Lawrence appeared to be chewing on an unknown substance, and a check of her mouth revealed a white powdery substance.
According to police, Ford consented to a search of his person. Officers located a clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately 3.55 grams. Police also recovered about $2,000 in cash.
Lawrence told officers she had a pipe commonly used to consume methamphetamine inside her purse. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, officers located fentanyl on the passenger side.
While officers were speaking with Lawrence about the suspected fentanyl, she became unresponsive. Police administered three doses of Narcan and requested assistance from Indian Lake EMS. EMS personnel administered three additional doses before transporting Lawrence to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment.
Ford was arrested and taken to the Logan County Jail. He was charged with possession of drugs, trafficking in drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.
After being released from the hospital, Lawrence was also arrested and lodged in the Logan County Jail. She was charged with possession of drugs, tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.
