Eureka County, Nevada – A semi-truck crash on U.S. Route 80 led to a major drug arrest and federal warrant custody last Saturday afternoon.
According to the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified of a traffic crash involving a semi-truck at approximately 11:20 p.m. Jan. 31 near mile marker 263 on U.S. 80. Dispatch advised that a sport utility vehicle had rear-ended the commercial truck.
Deputies responded to the scene and contacted the SUV’s driver, identified as Wayne Harms of Lincoln, Nebraska. During the contact, deputies checked Harms for warrants and were notified by dispatch that he allegedly had a nationwide warrant issued by the U.S. Marshals Service. The warrant was confirmed, and Harms was taken into custody.
While investigating the crash, deputies searched a backpack Harms was carrying, according to the sheriff’s office. Inside the backpack, deputies allegedly located a stun gun, approximately 189 pounds of methamphetamine, and about one pound of marijuana. Deputies also reported finding drug paraphernalia in Harms’ pocket.
The Eureka County Sheriff’s Office stated it is working in coordination with the Nevada Division of Investigation, Tri-County Drug Enforcement Unit, Elko Combined Narcotics Unit, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Nevada State Police are handling the traffic crash investigation. The case remains ongoing.
Harms was arrested on multiple charges, including trafficking a Schedule I or II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a prohibited electronic stun device, possession of drug paraphernalia, and arrest of a fugitive from justice on an out-of-state warrant.
Sheriff Miles Umina credited the multi-agency response for assisting with the investigation and arrest.
The crash occurred along a heavily traveled stretch of U.S. 80 frequently used by commercial drivers and commuters moving between northeastern and central Nevada.
*This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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