A traffic stop on Interstate 77 in Noble County resulted in the seizure of huge amounts of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as many felony charges against a Columbus woman, according to the Noble County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jason Mackie said the stop occurred on the evening of January 3, when a deputy pulled over a car going south on I-77 near Caldwell for a registration violation.
According to investigators, the driver and sole occupant, 24-year-old Malacha Bryant of Columbus, was driving on a suspended license.
During the stop, deputies noticed signs of potential narcotics activity. A K-9 unit was deployed, and the dog detected narcotics, indicating probable cause to search the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to authorities, Bryant repeatedly attempted to re-enter the vehicle after being informed of the search, delaying the investigation. When deputies attempted to arrest her, she struggled and fled on foot before being apprehended.
During the search, deputies said Bryant released her hands from the handcuffs and attempted to flee a second time before officers regained control and locked her in a patrol vehicle.
A search of the car turned up more than 3.5 ounces of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 4.5 ounces of suspected fentanyl. The sheriff’s office reported that further probable fentanyl was discovered on Bryant.
Bryant was taken to Noble County Jail and charged with first-degree felony trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, second-degree felony aggravated trafficking in drugs, first-degree felony possession of a fentanyl-related compound, second-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs, second-degree felony escape, resisting arrest, and driving while suspended.
The investigation is underway.
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