During a routine patrol induced by recent investigations related to gunfire incidents, the Utica Police Department detectives noticed a dubious activity. On the evening of December 23, a possible drug transaction was witnessed on Miller Street. Owing to the interaction, officers signaled for a vehicular halt on Columbia Street.
As the suspect vehicle began to pull over, observers among the engaged law enforcement units discerned the vehicle’s occupants jettisoning objects from their car. Eventually, the vehicle complied with the stop, bringing an opportunity for the officials to hold an interaction with the individuals inside.
The consequences of the subsequent search were quite significant. In the vehicle, the officers discovered a substantial stash of illicit substances. The stash contained more than 76 grams of methamphetamine, a dangerously potent stimulant known for its high addiction potential and severe health risks.
In addition to the methamphetamine, a loaded magazine for a .25 caliber firearm was found inside the vehicle. The gadget belonged to one of the occupants, further intensifying the severity of the incident. This weapon component further indicated potential involvement in more severe criminal activities.
The officers did not halt their search on finding the weapons and narcotics in the vehicle. Keeping in mind the discarded items as the vehicle was pulling over, they began combing the area. The search led to an even more troubling discovery.
Nestled in the white snow, officers retrieved a small bag. Upon inspection, the bag was discovered to hold fentanyl, an opioid far more powerful than heroin, and significantly deadlier due to its strength and propensity to cause fatal overdoses.
The relentless search also led to another worrisome finding – a .25 caliber handgun. The firearm was found close to the bag of fentanyl, leading the officers to believe that it was also discarded by the vehicle’s occupants. The presence of the firearms, along with the narcotics, highlighted the danger of the situation.
After securing the area and ensuring the forfeiture of all illicit materials, the officers proceeded with detaining the vehicle occupants. Both men inside the car were taken into custody without resistance. They were subsequently relocated to the police department for further questioning.
One of the arrested individuals was identified as Paul Ward, a 43-year-old resident from Yorkville. Ward was slapped with several serious charges, reflecting the severity of the incident. These included criminal possession of a firearm, a charge that acknowledges the illegality of his possession of the .25 caliber magazine.
In addition to that, Ward was also charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, reinforcing the seriousness of his involvement in the incident. The charges pointed at the firearm and ammunition found in the vehicle and during the search of the adjacent area.
Adding to his charges were two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. This was attributed to the discovery of the methamphetamine inside the vehicle, as well as the bag of potent fentanyl found buried in the snow. Such charges indicated his involvement in the drug trade, which is a grave offense by itself.
The second individual implicated in this incident was Warren Johnson, a 47-year-old man from Utica. Like Ward, Johnson also faced serious charges related to the possession of controlled substances, reflecting his involvement in the narcotics trade.
Johnson was slapped with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. These charges were driven by the quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl found during the routine stop, affirming the officers’ initial suspicions about a potential drug transaction prior to stopping the vehicle.
This incident underscores the ongoing struggle against narcotics and weapons possession proliferating in some regions. It serves as a testament to the continuous efforts of law enforcement agencies, such as the Utica Police Department, in addressing these significant issues and maintaining public safety.