On October 22, 2024, a routine traffic stop initiated by the Chillicothe Police Department led to the discovery of illegal substances and charges against two individuals.
At approximately 5:33 AM, Officer Chance Blankenship observed a blue Nissan SUV exiting the BP Gas Station without its headlights on. He proceeded to stop the vehicle on US 23 South near US 35. Upon approaching the car, the officer identified the driver as Evan Lemaster and the passenger as Molly Zellers, both of whom were known to police from previous incidents.
During the stop, it was revealed that Lemaster’s driver’s license was suspended. Zellers initially claimed she had no identification but provided her name and date of birth. A check confirmed that Zellers also lacked a valid driver’s license.
While Officer Blankenship conducted a consensual search of both individuals, no illegal items were found on their persons. However, when informed that the vehicle would be towed due to the suspension, Zellers disclosed to Officer Hallam that there were illegal items under the passenger seat. This prompted a probable cause search of the vehicle.
The search yielded several suspicious items, including a burnt glass pipe, a pill bottle containing pills and a white crystalline substance, and various drug paraphernalia. Zellers later admitted that the contents of the pill bottle included methamphetamine.
Both Lemaster and Zellers were read their Miranda Rights, with Lemaster denying any knowledge of the discovered items. He received a citation for driving under suspension and a warning for the headlight violation. Zellers was informed that further charges could be pending based on lab results.
After the incident, the officers provided transportation for both individuals to a nearby gas station. All evidence collected during the traffic stop was documented and secured at the Chillicothe Police Department.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
