Athens, OH – A reported case of alleged drug activity in an Albany neighborhood this week led to multiple arrests and an active search for a suspect, authorities said.
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded Thursday after deputies received a complaint about possible drug activity in the Center Street area. Law enforcement was provided descriptions of vehicles allegedly leaving the scene, prompting deputies to locate one nearby and initiate a traffic stop for observed violations.
Officials said the driver, identified as Donald Masters, 53, and passenger Bruce Conley, 64, were detained during the stop. Deputies allegedly observed indicators of drug activity and further determined Masters had two active felony warrants for alleged possession of drugs. A K9 unit was deployed, and the dog allegedly alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
Authorities reported that a subsequent search allegedly uncovered drug abuse instruments and suspected narcotics. During the investigation, Conley allegedly attempted to tamper with evidence and later allegedly concealed narcotics on his person, which deputies said were recovered.
Conley was transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail on a charge of tampering with evidence, with additional charges pending laboratory analysis. Masters was taken to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital for medical clearance before allegedly leaving the emergency room and evading custody. He remains wanted on his outstanding warrants.
Sheriff Rodney Smith stated that authorities will continue pursuing individuals who allegedly attempt to evade law enforcement and emphasized the importance of community tips in addressing criminal activity.
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Masters and urges anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact investigators.
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