Two Portsmouth residents are in custody after Pickaway County K9 Officer Joris took part in a New Year’s Eve bust that netted drugs and a loaded gun. Sheriff Robert B. Radcliff says it all happened just after 7 pm on Tuesday. K9 Joris, along with his human partner Corporal Harger, stopped a vehicle for speeding on US 23 near Crooks Creek Golf Course.
The driver, Bradford P. Wedebrook, of Portsmouth turned out to have an outstanding felony warrant and was taken into custody.
Passengers Lorna M. Simpson, of Pomeroy, and Paul Stone, Jr., of Portsmouth, were asked to exit the vehicle. Once backup arrived on the scene, Corporal Harger had Joris take a whiff of the vehicle. Joris detected the odor of narcotics and alerted his handler.
Nearly half a pound of methamphetamine and a loaded .22 caliber revolver were discovered in the vehicle. Joris is pictured with the items seized during the arrest. All three suspects were transported to the Pickaway County Jail were Wedebrook and Stone were found to have drugs concealed on their person.
Mr. Wedebrook is charged with, Aggravated Trafficking, (F-1), Possession of Schedule I (F-1), Having Weapons While Under Disability (F-3), and Illegal Conveyance onto the Grounds of a Governmental Facility, (F-3).
Mr. Stone is charged with, Aggravated Trafficking (F-1), Possession of Schedule I (F-1), and Illegal Conveyance onto the Grounds of a Government Facility, (F-3).
Ms. Simpson is charged with, Aggravated Trafficking, (F-1), Possession of Schedule I (F-1), Having Weapons While Under Disability, (F-3)
All three will face a judge on in Circleville Municipal Court on Thursday morning.
The Sheriff asks that anyone with drug tips contact the Sheriff’s Office by emailing [email protected].
Here are some local addiction resources. You may also call Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
