CHILLICOTHE, OH (January 13, 2025) – A routine traffic stop in Chillicothe led to the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges after a police K-9 alerted officers to narcotics in the vehicle.
The incident began when Detective Caleb Sizemore, on patrol in the area of Renick Avenue, observed a gray Kia sedan briefly stop at a residence known for narcotic activity. The vehicle, registered to Chase Spencer, pulled into the driveway of 204 South Renick Avenue and quickly backed out, heading north on Renick Avenue. The vehicle then made a right turn onto East Main Street without signaling, prompting Detective Sizemore to initiate a traffic stop.
Upon making contact with Spencer, the driver, and his passenger, Brianna Wolford, the detective became suspicious. Spencer initially claimed he was traveling to McDonald’s but changed his story, stating he had to return home to assist his sick mother. When asked about his previous stops, Spencer denied stopping at the Renick Avenue residence.
Based on his suspicions, Detective Sizemore deployed his K-9 partner, “Reg,” to conduct a free-air sniff of the vehicle. After an alert from the dog, indicating the presence of narcotics, officers searched the vehicle and found several items of interest, including a yellow bag containing a white powdery substance believed to be drugs. Wolford, who had attempted to pour the substance out of a baggie, was detained. She later confirmed that the substance was fentanyl.
During the search, officers also found drug paraphernalia, including a burned plastic straw and foil. The substances were collected as evidence and sent for chemical analysis by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Wolford, who was found to have two active warrants for probation violation and failure to appear, was arrested and transported to the Ross County Jail. Spencer was cited for failing to signal and released at the scene after signing a citation.
Both individuals are facing charges related to drug possession and additional criminal activities, with possession charges pending the results of the chemical analysis. Wolford will appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on January 14, 2025, for a hearing. Spencer is scheduled to appear on January 20, 2025.
