A routine patrol by local law enforcement led to the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges in Chillicothe earlier this week. According to a report from the Chillicothe Police Department, Officer conducted a traffic stop after observing a red Chevy truck, bearing Ohio registration JAV7003, fail to signal a turn onto E 7th St from S Watt St.
Officer approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, identified as Ryan Wurtzel, who reportedly admitted to not having a valid driver’s license. Wurtzel was asked to step out of the vehicle, and Officer proceeded to speak with him near the front of the cruiser. During this interaction, Officer obtained consent to search the vehicle.
Upon requesting the passenger, identified as Brent Norman, to exit the vehicle, Norman placed a blue zip bag from his lap into the passenger door before complying. Officer then conducted a thorough search of the truck, initially discovering a glass pipe commonly associated with methamphetamine use on the driver’s side floorboard, referred to as a “meth bubble.”
Further searching yielded additional concerning items. In the center console, Officer found foil with burnt residue and a straw containing white residue. Moving to the passenger side, Officer opened the blue bag previously handled by Norman, revealing another “meth bubble,” two tied plastic baggies containing a crystal substance, and approximately 20 hypodermic needles.
Upon questioning, Norman allegedly claimed ownership of the blue bag, as well as the substances and needles found within, citing personal use related to a recent hip surgery. Consequently, Officer placed Wurtzel under arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia and issued him a citation for driving under suspension.
Due to Norman’s medical condition and cooperation, he was not taken into custody at the scene but was instead issued summonses for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drug abuse instruments. He was informed of his upcoming court appearance scheduled for July 29, 2024, at 0900 in the Chillicothe Municipal Court.
All seized paraphernalia and substances were photographed and securely placed into evidence, with syringes disposed of in a SHARPs container for safety. The crystal substance discovered in the search will be forwarded to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for further testing.
The Chillicothe Police Department emphasized its commitment to addressing drug-related issues in the community and thanked the public for their continued cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
