TEXAS — A multi-agency drug investigation in Grayson County led to multiple arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, firearms and ammunition during an operation this week, according to authorities.
The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office said deputies, along with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, Sherman Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and federal partners, executed a search and arrest warrant April 22 at a residence on Kevin Drive in Bells.
Officials said the warrant was part of an ongoing methamphetamine trafficking investigation. Due to concerns that the primary suspect could be armed, Special Response Teams were used to safely carry out the operation.
At the initial residence, investigators seized methamphetamine and arrested two individuals without incident. Carlton Bridenthal was taken into custody on an active parole warrant, while Daniel Shumate was charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Authorities later located the primary suspect, identified as Joshua David Taylor, at a nearby residence. He was taken into custody without incident and was found in possession of cocaine at the time of his arrest.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized 13 firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a large quantity of methamphetamine.
Taylor faces multiple charges, including manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance involving methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance involving cocaine, 13 counts of felon in possession of a firearm and an outstanding warrant for burglary of a habitation in Grayson County.
He was transported to the Grayson County Jail. Officials said charges from the investigation will be submitted to the Grayson County District Attorney’s Office and referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas for possible federal prosecution.
The investigation remains ongoing.
