Loud Exhausts Lead to Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia Arrests in Logan County

Logan County, OH - Two separate traffic stops due to excessively loud exhausts led to drug-related arrests over the weekend.

According to police reports provided to Capsule News, on Friday, a routine traffic stop on State Route 235 resulted in the arrest of Sara Groves for possession of methamphetamine. The incident occurred at approximately 8:29 p.m. when deputies observed a white Ford Transit van with an excessively loud exhaust driving south near County Road 87. The vehicle was stopped at the intersection of SR 235 and Stephenson Street.

Upon making contact with the occupants—driver Sara Groves, front seat passenger Robert Wellnitz, and rear seat passenger Charles Jackson—the deputy noted the loud exhaust noise continued even while the van was idling. Jackson showed the officer a piece of the exhaust system, explaining they were in the process of repairing it.

Groves appeared nervous during the interaction and frequently broke eye contact. Initially stating they were coming from Russels Point, she later admitted they were heading towards Russels Point from a friend’s house but could not provide specific details about the friend's location. Upon receiving consent to search the vehicle, officers found two white oblong pills marked "G 31" and an orange syringe cap. Groves was detained, and a small clear baggie containing methamphetamine was found on her person. She also admitted to having a small amount of marijuana and a pipe. Groves was arrested and charged with Possession of Controlled Substances and Tampering with Evidence.

In a similar incident on Sunday, June 2nd, a gold Dodge Dakota was pulled over on US 33 near Harrison Street in Lakeview due to an overly loud exhaust. The vehicle, driven by Rodney Bower, was stopped in the parking lot of the Community Market in Lakeview. Bower explained that the truck's exhaust issue was how he had purchased it, describing it as "kinda like straight pipe." The officer noted Bower's nervous demeanor, shaking hands, and avoidance of eye contact.

After conducting checks, the officer asked Bower to step out of the vehicle and consented to a search. During the search, the officer found a small gold bullet necklace containing white powder residue, a small spoon typically used for snorting powder drugs, and a short white straw with a similar substance. Both Bower and his passenger, Amanda Churchill, were detained. Bower was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and transported to the Logan County Jail. Churchill, verified to have valid credentials, was allowed to drive the vehicle away after being warned to fix the exhaust.

For the most complete Logan County news, sports, and community event coverage, visit thecapsuleapp.com.

Photo byScott RodgersononUnsplash