OHIO — A routine traffic stop in Portage County led to the discovery of more than 400 grams of cocaine and the arrest of two men, according to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
On July 20, deputies pulled over a vehicle on Interstate 76 for a lane violation.
The driver, identified as 42-year-old Richard Johnson IV, was found to have a suspended license and an active warrant for his arrest. Deputies also learned that Johnson was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Deputies asked Johnson and his passenger, 38-year-old Don Simmons, to exit the vehicle while a K9 unit conducted a search.
During the search, deputies discovered a loaded pistol and a large bag containing approximately 401 grams of cocaine, according to the sheriff’s office.
Johnson and Simmons told deputies they were unaware of the cocaine and said they were headed to Simmons’ grandmother’s house to deliver medication.
Deputies also found a bag of pills in Johnson’s waistband.
He was arrested and charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, having weapons under disability, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, driving under suspension, and a marked lanes violation. Additional charges may be filed pending lab results on the pills.
Simmons was charged with trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine.
The investigation is ongoing.
