CHILLICOTHE, OH — A traffic stop in Ross County has led to a major drug bust and firearm seizure after detectives with the Chillicothe Police Department, in coordination with county deputies, arrested a man allegedly transporting a significant quantity of methamphetamine on State Route 104.
On June 11, 2025, detectives identified Zachariah Holyman traveling southbound from Columbus in a blue 2010 BMW, thanks to data flagged by a License Plate Reader (LPR). According to law enforcement, Holyman’s vehicle had made a similar northbound trip the night before — a known pattern for individuals suspected of transporting narcotics from Columbus back to Ross County.
Detectives initiated surveillance and alerted Ross County deputies, who observed Holyman make a marked lanes violation near the intersection of SR 104 and SR 207. Deputies then conducted a traffic stop.
Holyman, the driver, was accompanied by an unidentified passenger — later identified as Isaiah Jones, who initially refused to give his name. Chillicothe Police K9 Officer Sizemore responded to the scene with K9 Reg, who gave a positive alert for the odor of narcotics during a sweep of the vehicle.
A subsequent search uncovered:
- A large bag containing approximately 185 grams of methamphetamine (approximately half a pound) in the rear compartment.
- A loaded Canik 9mm handgun on the rear passenger floor.
- A digital scale and ammunition scattered throughout the vehicle.
- $973 in cash and a cell phone seized from Holyman’s person.
Detectives noted the meth was packaged in a manner consistent with drug trafficking, not personal use. The methamphetamine field-tested positive and was later sent to BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) for chemical analysis and confirmation of weight.
During a follow-up search at a secure location, investigators also discovered a concealed drop box modified into the vehicle’s glove compartment area. While the box was empty, it appeared to be designed for hidden transport of illegal items.
Holyman was arrested and booked into the Ross County Jail on charges of:
- Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs (ORC 2925.03C1e)
- Aggravated Possession of Drugs (ORC 2925.11C1d)
Authorities also issued a forfeiture notice for both the BMW and the $973 in cash, alleging they were used in the commission of a felony drug offense. Isaiah Jones was released from the scene without charges.
The case remains under investigation as authorities await lab results from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
If convicted, Holyman could face a multi-year prison sentence due to the quantity of methamphetamine and the presence of a loaded firearm.
