Caledonia, WI – A routine early morning traffic stop in Columbia County escalated into a significant drug and firearm arrest after a deputy allegedly discovered fentanyl and a loaded weapon inside a speeding vehicle.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Tuesday around 1:30 a.m. on Interstate 90/94/39 in the Town of Caledonia. A deputy on patrol reportedly observed a vehicle traveling 95 mph in a posted 70 mph zone and initiated a traffic stop.
Authorities said upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy allegedly noticed a young child sleeping on the rear floor without a proper child safety restraint, raising immediate safety concerns.
During the stop, K9 Rico was deployed and allegedly alerted to the presence of controlled substances inside the vehicle. A subsequent search reportedly uncovered THC, drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution, and a loaded firearm allegedly within reach of the driver.
Investigators further alleged the driver may have been concealing additional controlled substances. After being taken into custody and transported to the Columbia County Jail, officials said approximately 42 grams of suspected fentanyl were allegedly found concealed on the driver during intake procedures.
The driver was identified as Estrella Heredia Juarez, 21, of Crest Hill, Illinois. She appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court on Wednesday, where she was charged with possession with intent to deliver fentanyl (10–50 grams), carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Juarez was released on a $500 signature bond.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office stated it remains committed to enforcing traffic laws, particularly in situations where driving behavior allegedly poses risks to others. Wisconsin State Patrol, Blystone’s Towing, and Columbia County Health and Human Services assisted in the incident.
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