Circleville, OH – A routine patrol on Tarlton Road led to a significant arrest yesterday when Trooper D. Spackey and I responded to a minor crash on US-22 near milepost 7. The homeowner reported that the driver had fled the scene in a red SUV, leaving behind damage to their mailbox.
Upon investigating, Trooper discovered a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe with a broken driver’s door handle, scuffs on the front left bumper, and fresh mud and grass between the wheel and tire. The driver, Derek A. McCord, was found to be lethargic, slow, and displaying signs of impairment.
After conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, McCord was placed under arrest for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI). A search of his person revealed metal tins containing methamphetamine and Fentanyl, as well as paraphernalia.
McCord was charged with multiple offenses, including OVI, aggravated trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, operating a vehicle without control, and expired tags. He was taken to Pickaway County Jail and is awaiting arraignment.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to authorities. The Circleville Highway Patrol Post-65 remains committed to keeping our roads safe and holding accountable those who break the law.
