Patrol releases felony arrest information

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

COLUMBUS — In the first six months of 2015, the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated a wide range of felony offenses and increased total drug arrests from the year before, thanks to troopers who take extra time during traffic stops to look for possible indicators of criminal activity.

From January through June, troopers made 6,256 total drug arrests, representing a 10 percent increase compared to 2014 and a 30 percent increase compared to the previous three-year average, 2012 to 2014.

“The majority of felonies that occur in our state will at some point involve our highways,” said Lt. Timothy P. Grigsby, Van Wert Post commander. “That means troopers have an opportunity to stop a multitude of crimes by being on the lookout for criminal indicators during traffic stops.”

Large drug seizures of the last six months include 235 pounds of marijuana seized in a Lorain County traffic stop and nearly 150 grams of heroin at a Fairfield County traffic stop. In total, the OSHP has seized over 400,000 grams of marijuana and 84,000 grams of cocaine during the first half of 2015.

Motorists are reminded that public participation is critical to highway safety. Call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.

For a complete statistical analysis, visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/2015_Jan-Jun_FelonyAndDrug.pdf.