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RICHARD DIRCKSEN |
CODY DIRCKSEN |
A father-and-son pair are facing felony drug charges following a traffic stop Wednesday evening, where officers of the Washington Township Police Department recovered a large amount of methamphetamine, along with marijuana and numerous prescription medications.
The driver, Richard Dircksen, 44, of Lakeview, was charged with felony count of possession of drugs. His passenger and son, Cody Dircksen, 25, also of Lakeview, was charged with felony counts of tampering with evidence and possession of a drugs, along with possession of drug abuse instruments and two counts of possession of a prescription medication.
While officers were on patrol in the area Township Road 239 and State Route 720, they stopped the defendant’s pickup for a lane and stop sign violation about 11:20 p.m.
Officers observed criminal indicators during the traffic stop and both occupants were asked to exit the vehicle. Consent to search the vehicle was given.
Inside the vehicle, officers seized methamphetamine, marijuana, a scale, cook spoon and numerous prescription medications.
While searching Cody, officers located a syringe in his waistband. He and Richard were then placed in the rear of two separate patrol cars.
While officers continued to search the vehicle, a loud pounding noise was heard coming from the cruiser Cody was being held in. He was escorted out of the vehicle and it was discovered that he was attempting to conceal a large amount of methamphetamine underneath the seat of the cruiser.
Upon visual inspection of the methamphetamine, this was the largest quantity that has been recovered in Washington Township, Police Chief Richard L. Core stated. He said law enforcement is observing more and more methamphetamine being introduced into the county.
Cody and Richard were transported to the Logan County Jail. Additional charges are pending.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.
Driver charged with OVI
Warren Ropp, 36, of St. Paris, was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs following a traffic stop about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The driver was stopped for a speed violation in the area of State Route 235 and County Road 27. Upon making contact with Mr. Ropp, officers observed signs of intoxication.
Mr. Ropp reportedly failed field sobriety tests and was subsequently taken into custody for OVI. He was transported to the Logan County Jail, where he refused to submit to breath test.
He also was cited for driving under suspension and speed. He was then released to a sober driver. His vehicle was towed .