Chillicothe, Ohio – A routine traffic stop conducted by law enforcement officers on April 8, 2024, resulted in the discovery of illicit drugs and paraphernalia, leading to the arrest of two individuals.
Officer Elrich initiated a traffic stop on a black 2005 Chevrolet Silverado at the intersection of E. Main St. and Watt St. The vehicle, failed to stop for a red light and continued westbound. Despite Officer Elrich’s attempts to pull the vehicle over, it continued to a parking lot near Advance Auto Parts.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Elrich observed the driver, identified as James Smoot, and the passenger, identified as Hettie Armstrong, displaying signs of nervousness. Officer Sizemore assisted in the investigation and observed multiple plastic baggies falling from Armstrong’s person as she exited the vehicle.
Further inspection revealed additional baggies inside the vehicle, containing various substances consistent with illicit narcotics, with a large rock of suspected drugs in between the seat of the vehicle. Smoot admitted to selling marijuana but denied knowledge of the other substances found.
Both Smoot and Armstrong were taken into custody, and the vehicle was towed for further investigation. Substances and drug paraphernalia seized from the scene will be sent for chemical analysis.
Smoot faces charges of Possession of Drugs and Trafficking of Drugs, while Armstrong faces charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Smoot is also a parole holder and on probation after release.
Both individuals will appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on April 9, 2024.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
