A traffic stop Monday night by the Logan County Sheriff’s Office led to two arrests and the recovery of a stolen firearm and suspected narcotics.
According to a report, the stop happened just before 9:00 PM on U.S. 33 after a deputy recognized a passenger believed to be Dakota Doty, 27, of Belle Center, who had an active warrant.
A silver Kia was pulled over westbound on U.S. 33.
The driver, identified as Sarah Howard, 21, of Belle Center, told deputies she did not own the vehicle and did not have her license with her.
Doty was confirmed to be the individual with the warrant and was taken into custody without incident.
While searching his person, deputies reported finding a syringe in his pocket.
K9 Pyro with the Bellefontaine Police Department was called to the scene and alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
Deputies then searched the vehicle and found a purse on the driver’s seat containing a loaded handgun.
The firearm was later confirmed to be stolen.
Deputies also found two baggies with a white substance stuffed in the seat lever on the passenger side rear seat.
Howard was placed under arrest and later admitted that the handgun belonged to her.
She was charged with receiving stolen property, improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and carrying a concealed weapon.
Doty was jailed on his active warrant and additional charges, including possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
