A routine traffic stop led to a significant drug-related arrest on Friday afternoon in Logan County. Just after 5 PM, local law enforcement officers arrested Carl Dennin, 45, of Springfield, following a traffic stop for an expired vehicle registration.
According to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Dennin was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet Avalanche with an expired registration when officers initiated the stop on State Route 720, just east of Township Road 239. After verifying that the registration had expired as of August 26th, officers made contact with Dennin.
Due to a malfunctioning driver’s side window, Dennin was asked to step out of his vehicle. Washington Township Police Officers joined the traffic stop. During the interaction, Dennin displayed signs of possible drug use, including difficulty maintaining eye contact and unusual pupil dilation.
Washington Township Officers reported that Dennin, who had previously disclosed a history of oxycontin abuse due to back pain, exhibited further signs of drug use. The officers then asked Dennin about the presence of illegal substances in the vehicle. Dennin denied having heroin or fentanyl, though his responses raised additional suspicion.
Following Dennin’s consent, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Officers discovered a small clear plastic baggie with a white and blue powdery residue, later identified as crushed pills, on the passenger side near Dennin’s phone. Additionally, a brown paper napkin containing a keychain vessel with a white powdery substance and blue chunks was found in the center console. Preliminary field tests confirmed the substance was fentanyl.
Dennin was arrested and transported to the Logan County Jail. He was charged with possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fifth-degree felony.
