A routine traffic stop by Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers led to a short pursuit in which the driver allegedly tossed a bag out of the car window before stopping his car on Aug. 6, according to the Journal-News.
The bag was later found to contain more than 350 grams of methamphetamine, OSP announced today.
Troopers stopped a 2011 Mitsubishi Galant with Ohio registration for following too close and a license plate light violation on Interstate 75 in Franklin Twp., just north of the Middletown exit.
As troopers approached the vehicle, the suspect fled and a short pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the suspect was observed throwing a bag out of the window. A short time later, the suspect voluntarily stopped and was taken into custody without incident.
The 369 grams of meth seized was worth about $39,269, according to the patrol.
The suspect, Jason A. Cundiff, 36, of Franklin, was taken to the Warren County Jail and charged with possession and trafficking in a controlled substance, both first-degree felonies; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and failure to comply with law enforcement, a first-degree misdemeanor.
A $50,000 cash bond was listed for all charges, according to the Warren County Jail website. Cundiff was arraigned on the charges Aug. 9 and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. Friday in Franklin Municipal Court.
If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine, according to the patrol.
