WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Two people were arrested after a traffic stop escalated into a pursuit and drug seizure involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a firearm, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said the incident happened around 5 a.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 90 near Cottonwood Boulevard in DeFuniak Springs, after a deputy reportedly observed a vehicle with a faulty taillight.
The driver, Fabian Joseph Rutherford, 35, is said to have accelerated to speeds of up to 90 miles per hour before losing control of the vehicle and spinning into the roadway, according to the WCSO.
Deputies used a controlled stopping technique to prevent the vehicle from fleeing again and endangering other drivers, the WCSO said.
Mr Rutherford reportedly jumped through the driver’s side window and attempted to run, but surrendered after deputies closed in. A syringe was found in his pocket, according to the WCSO.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The passenger, Jada Jay Urich, 19, also reportedly attempted to flee but was apprehended. A needle was found in her pocket, the WCSO said.
A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed 116.2 grams of methamphetamine, 3.9 grams of fentanyl, prescription narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun.
Investigators also reported finding a black magnetic container with narcotics residue, multiple plastic bags, eight Buprenorphine/Naloxone patches, and two Suboxone tablets.
While being booked into the Walton County Jail, Ms Urich is said to have had methamphetamine hidden in her underwear, according to the WCSO.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The WCSO said Mr Rutherford has an extensive criminal history across multiple Florida Panhandle counties and reportedly served more than 11 years in the Florida Department of Corrections over four separate sentences.
He is now charged with fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstruction without violence, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and commission of a felony with a weapon.
Ms Urich is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction without violence, smuggling contraband into a detention facility, and commission of a felony with a weapon.
Both were transported to the Walton County Jail, where they remain pending first appearance.
Niceville.com Community Partner
