According to Sheriff Robert B. Radcliff, on October 5, 2020 at 6:07 P.M. Corporal Harger, Deputy Morningstar, Deputy Finley, Chief Jeff George and Detective Cline from the Ashville Police Department stopped a 2003 maroon Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the Lockbourne Lodge Mobile Home Park after numerous narcotics related tips. Prior to the stop the driver was identified as Samuel A. Griffith, 30 years old out of Ashville, Ohio and was said to have multiple felony warrants out for his arrest.
Upon initial contact with Samuel Griffith he was taken out of car at gun point, without incident. Mr. Griffith was secured in the back of Deputy Finley’s cruiser.
When Samuel Griffith exited the vehicle, Deputies witnessed a white powdery substance on the floorboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle where Samuel Griffith was sitting. A probable cause search of the vehicle led Deputies and Officers to locate a Springfield Armory Hell Cat 9MM Firearm, a white powdery substance believed to be Fentanyl and over $1,900 cash.
Samuel Griffith was transported to the Pickaway County Jail and was charged with Tampering With Evidence a Felony of the 3rd degree, Weapons Under Disability a Felony of the 3rd degree, Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle a Felony of the 4th degree and Possession of Drugs a Felony of 4th degree.
The village of Ashville Police Department and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office teamed up to finalize this on-going investigation after the multiple narcotics complaints in Ashville and the surrounding area. Sheriff Radcliff would like to thank Chief Jeff George and his Police Department for their ongoing collaboration.
The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with drug tips, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at their anonymous tips line at tips@pickawaysheriff.com. Without the help of the communities’ tips we would not be successful in our efforts of keeping the community safe and fighting drug abuse.