Drug bust leads to four arrested in Holmes County

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Holmes County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested four individuals for trafficking and the sale of fentanyl on Saturday.

The Bonifay Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol Criminal Interdiction Unit, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the arrest.

On July 19, HCSO investigators set up a purchase of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Michael Cotton at a Tom Thumb in Bonifay, according to a news release.

Cotton along with three other individuals met with an uncover and sold 2.3 grams of fentanyl, officials said. Once the transaction was completed, the vehicle attempted a U-turn when police boxed it in.

Officials said Jason Rudd who was identified as the driver put the car in reverse attempting to flee and struck a patrol vehicle. Cotton, in the passenger seat, exited the vehicle and fled on foot back toward Tom Thumb, officials wrote.

FHP CIU released K9, ran down Cotton, and apprehended him in the parking lot. During the flee, investigators said Cotton dropped a money bag along with a bag containing approximately 6 grams (about 25-30 fentanyl pills).

During a search of the driver, investigators said 5 grams of fentanyl was located. In the vehicle a bag on the passenger side contained methamphetamine, investigators confirmed.

Tow backseat passengers, identified as Samantha Kirkland and Ashley Clark.

All four individuals were arrested and charged.

Michael Cotton was charged with trafficking in fentanyl, sale of fentanyl, resisting arrest, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jason Rudd was charged with trafficking in fentanyl, sale of fentanyl, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Samantha Kirkland and Ashley Clark were both charged with principal to the sale of fentanyl.

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