An early-morning traffic stop on U.S. Highway 90 outside DeFuniak Springs turned chaotic Thursday when a speeding Volkswagen spun out, crashed, and allegedly revealed a sizable drug stash, according to authorities. Walton County deputies arrested 35-year-old Fabian Joseph Rutherford and 19-year-old Jada Jay Urich after finding more than 100 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun in the wrecked car. Both were taken to the Walton County Jail, where they remain as they wait for their first court appearances.
The Chase and the Haul
As reported by Tampa Free Press, the incident began around 5 a.m. when a deputy tried to pull over a black Volkswagen near Cottonwood Boulevard for a broken taillight. Instead of stopping, the driver allegedly hit the gas, and the car was clocked at 90 mph before it spun out during the attempted stop. Investigators say both occupants tried to bolt on foot but were quickly detained by deputies.
According to the same report, a search of the vehicle turned up 116.2 grams of methamphetamine, about 3.9 grams of fentanyl, a loaded firearm, prescription narcotics, and packaging materials. Once the pair arrived at the jail, staff reportedly discovered additional meth hidden in Urich’s clothing.
Enforcement in the Panhandle
The bust is the latest in a string of sizable narcotics cases in Walton County, where the sheriff’s Vice/Narcotics unit has been zeroing in on local distribution operations. Officials say those efforts are part of a broader push by area law enforcement to disrupt meth and fentanyl supply lines across the panhandle.
Charges and Next Steps
Per Tampa Free Press, Rutherford is facing charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and fleeing and eluding. Urich faces trafficking and possession counts, along with a charge of smuggling contraband into a detention facility tied to the drugs allegedly found after booking. Both remain in custody at the Walton County Jail while investigators continue their work and prosecutors review the case for formal charges. Their first court appearances are expected to address bond and the specific counts that will move forward.
What Officials Are Urging
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about this case or other suspected drug activity in the area to reach out to investigators or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office also maintains a public news feed and contact directory through its Public Information Office for residents who want to follow ongoing enforcement efforts or share information.
