In the early hours of April 2nd, Pierce County deputies encountered a situation at a local AMPM that escalated from a welfare check to an arrest involving drugs and firearms. According to the county's blog post, deputies were dispatched to the AMPM located at 176th St. E and Canyon Road E, after an employee reported a large utility truck that had been stationary for over an hour with two unresponsive individuals inside.
Upon their arrival, authorities observed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and keys in the ignition. This gave them probable cause to believe the two occupants, who were visibly affected by drugs, were not at liberty to leave. Despite their efforts, the occupants initially refused to cooperate. For a full eight minutes, deputies worked to peacefully resolve the standoff before resorting to forcibly removing the subjects from their vehicle.
The male occupant turned out to have a significant amount of methamphetamines on him, specifically 365 grams. Further investigation revealed an outstanding Federal Marshal's Warrant for a weapons violation. A search of the truck added to his charges when deputies found a .38 Special Revolver hidden in a pair of pants.
Eventually, the 52-year-old man was arrested not only for the federal warrant but also for multiple offenses, including Assault in the 3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, as he was already a convicted felon. "The female was released on scene, but charges will be forwarded for obstruction for her," detailed the Pierce County Sheriff's Blog. The deputies involved were commended for their discernment and action in removing a potentially dangerous individual from the streets.
