PICKAWAY COUNTY, OH — After nearly two years on the run, Tyler James Morris has finally faced justice in connection with a 2022 traffic stop that led to the discovery of drugs and a loaded firearm in his vehicle. Morris, who had an outstanding warrant since 2023, was sentenced this month to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay court costs.
The charges stem from an incident on March 27, 2022, when a Pickaway County sheriff’s deputy clocked a silver van traveling at 82 mph in a 60 mph zone on U.S. 23 near mile post 14. During the stop, the deputy approached Morris and immediately noticed a bag of marijuana and a grinder in plain view, as well as the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
When asked if there were any weapons in the car, Morris admitted that a firearm was located between the front seats. He was asked to step out of the vehicle and was subjected to a pat-down, during which deputies discovered a pill bottle containing suspected methamphetamine in his sweatshirt pocket. Additional units were called, and Morris was placed under arrest.
A full search of the vehicle revealed a loaded rifle with a 7.62 round in the chamber, along with a glass narcotics pipe, more marijuana, and paraphernalia. The drugs were later weighed at the sheriff’s office, confirming 5 grams of methamphetamine and 15 grams of marijuana.
Morris was ultimately charged with the following:
- Improperly Handling Weapons in a Motor Vehicle (Fourth-Degree Felony)
- Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs (Third-Degree Felony)
- Aggravated Possession of Drugs (Third-Degree Felony)
Despite being arrested in 2022, Morris evaded prosecution after being found guilty and not showing up for his presentencing investigation until this year. He was recently taken into custody and sentenced to three years in prison. The court also ordered him to pay all applicable court costs.
