Meth confiscated during rural traffic stop

VW independent/submitted information

A Van Wert man faces a felony drug charge following a traffic stop in Hoaglin Township on Saturday.

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said deputies confiscated a moderate amount of methamphetamine during the traffic stop.

According to the sheriff, a deputy stopped a vehicle Saturday in Hoaglin Township for multiple traffic violations. During the course of the stop, the Sheriff’s Office K-9 conducted an open air sniff of the vehicle and gave an alert for the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located items commonly used in the sale and possession of illegal drugs, material believed to be illegal drugs, and a moderate amount of suspected methamphetamine.

The driver of the vehicle, Christopher M. Caldwell, 29, of Van Wert, was arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI), a misdemeanor of the first degree, and aggravated possession of drugs, a felony of the third degree. A passenger in the vehicle was not charged and was later released.

Caldwell was transported to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility where he was being held pending an arraignment in Van Wert Municipal Court. Sheriff Riggenbach noted that an investigation is continuing related to this incident and additional charges could be filed.

Sheriff Riggenbach asks anyone that has information on drug activity contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office. County residents with information can call 419.238.3866 or use the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and click on the “Submit a Crime Tip” link. Those reporting information can remain anonymous.

People can also report information on other crimes by using the above options or by contacting Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP. People can also remain anonymous when contacting Crime Stoppers.

Investigators with the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force assisted with this investigation. The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force is comprised of officers from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, and multiple state and federal agencies. The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force operates within a multi-county area to combat drugs and major crimes.