A routine traffic stop in Chillicothe early Wednesday morning led to the arrest of a Ross County man after officers allegedly discovered suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and nearly $2,000 in cash inside his vehicle.
According to the Chillicothe Police Department, the incident occurred around 1:20 a.m. on July 15 when an officer conducted a license plate check on a silver 2008 Chevrolet pickup traveling east on East Water Street. The registration reportedly returned to Hoyt Eugene Reynolds Sr., whose driving privileges were suspended under an OVI-related Administrative License Suspension.
Police followed the truck and confirmed Reynolds was driving before initiating a traffic stop. The vehicle turned into an alley behind a residence in the 500 block of East Water Street, where officers made contact with Reynolds as he exited the driver’s seat.
Reynolds was arrested without incident and charged with Driving Under an OVI Suspension, a first-degree misdemeanor.
During a search of Reynolds following the arrest, officers recovered $1,980 in cash, which was seized as evidence.
Before the truck was towed, officers conducted an inventory search and reported finding suspected methamphetamine, multiple glass pipes with residue, numerous small plastic baggies commonly associated with drug packaging, a digital scale, and several pills inside the vehicle. Officers also recovered what appeared to be marijuana paraphernalia.
According to the police report, Reynolds was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators. He allegedly admitted the crystal-like substance found in the vehicle was methamphetamine and stated he was in the process of moving, which he said was why the drugs and related items were inside the truck.
The vehicle was towed from the scene, and all suspected narcotics and evidence were collected for processing. Police said the suspected methamphetamine will be submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for laboratory testing.
Reynolds was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he was held pending an initial court appearance. In addition to the suspended license charge, he was charged with drug paraphernalia, and investigators said additional charges may be filed pending the results of laboratory testing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court
