PENNSYLVANIA — Two people were arrested following a drug investigation that culminated in a traffic stop and the seizure of cocaine in Altoona, according to police.
Brandy Jo Etchison, 46, of Altoona, and Marco Martin, 37, of Philadelphia, were taken into custody May 30 following a joint investigation involving Altoona police, Tyrone police and Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities said the investigation began in April after confidential informants made multiple controlled drug purchases from Martin. Investigators later learned Martin would be traveling from Philadelphia to the Altoona area and conducted surveillance in downtown Altoona.
Police said Martin was picked up by a vehicle driven by Etchison before officers conducted a traffic stop near 12th Street and 13th Avenue. A police K-9 alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the vehicle.
According to investigators, Martin admitted to possessing a digital scale and later attempted to destroy cocaine while being transported to the Altoona Police Department. Police allege he discarded cocaine toward officers, striking two officers in the face with the substance.
A subsequent search of Etchison allegedly uncovered cocaine concealed on her person. Investigators said a total of 44 grams of cocaine, four cell phones, a digital scale and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the suspects and the vehicle.
Martin faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest and drug-related offenses.
Etchison was charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, false identification to law enforcement, driving-related offenses and drug-related charges.
Both were lodged in Blair County Prison. Martin’s bail was set at $600,000, while Etchison’s bail was set at $400,000.
The investigation remains ongoing.
