Crime

CHP officer and K-9 find suspected narcotics, guns during Fresno County traffic stop

The driver of a 2013 Toyota Camry was arrested on Oct. 15, 2021, after a California Highway Patrol officer and CHP K-9 Bruce reportedly found two handguns and suspected cocaine inside the vehicle. Authorities said the officer stopped the car in the area of Interstate 5 and Russell Avenue for speeding. Image courtesy of California Highway Patrol.
The driver of a 2013 Toyota Camry was arrested on Oct. 15, 2021, after a California Highway Patrol officer and CHP K-9 Bruce reportedly found two handguns and suspected cocaine inside the vehicle. Authorities said the officer stopped the car in the area of Interstate 5 and Russell Avenue for speeding. Image courtesy of California Highway Patrol. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsun-star.com

A traffic stop in rural Fresno County led to the arrest of a driver on several drug charges, according to the California Highway Patrol.

About 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15, a CHP officer initiated a traffic stop on a 2013 Toyota Camry for speeding on northbound Interstate 5 at Russell Avenue, according to Merced-area CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

During the stop, the officer noticed tradecraft that led them to believe the driver was engaged in criminal activity, according to a CHP social media post. Authorities said CHP K-9 Bruce alerted the officer to the odor of narcotics while performing a sniff of the vehicle.

The officer searched the vehicle and reported finding two kilograms of suspected cocaine and two loaded handguns inside a center console.

Shawn Ballard, 27, of Portland, Ore., was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance, transportation of a controlled substance and possession of cocaine, according to authorities.

AK
Andrew Kuhn
Merced Sun-Star
209-385-2461
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