Wanted Driver Arrested; Heroin, Meth, Cash and Vehicle Seized
Spokane Valley Deputies seize approximately one ounce of heroin, meth, pills, digital scales, $736 and a 2000 Acura during a traffic stop where the driver had an active felony warrant for his arrest. In addition to the warrant, the driver, 37-year-old Ryan J. Wheeler, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
On May 20, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputy Thomas Walton checked the license plate of the vehicle in front of him while patrolling N. Argonne. The return on the Acura’s license plate showed the registered owner, Wheeler, had a felony warrant for his arrest.
Deputy Walton conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver who identified himself as Wheeler. The Washington State Department of Corrections warrant was confirmed and Wheeler was told he was under arrest. As Wheeler exited the vehicle, Deputy Walton observed a clear plastic baggie containing a dark substance on the driver’s side floor that he believed to be heroin.
During a search of Wheeler incident to his arrest, Deputy Walton located a glass pipe commonly used to smoke controlled substances in Wheeler’s pants pocket and $736 in cash in his wallet. Believing there was additional contraband in the vehicle, Deputy Walton asked Wheeler for consent to search. Deputy Walton advised Wheeler he planned to seek a search warrant after Wheeler declined and Wheeler stated, “I got something in the car.”. He went on to admit having almost an ounce of heroin in the vehicle.
With consent, the vehicle was searched and substances believed to be heroin and methamphetamine were recovered. The substances were later field tested and showed a presumptive positive result for heroin and methamphetamine. Additionally, digital scales and several pills, believed to be Hydrocodone, were recovered.
After being advised of his rights, Wheeler admitted he was addicted to heroin and sold it to support his addiction. The drugs, paraphernalia, cash and the Acura were seized. Wheeler was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver and the felony warrant.
The Spokane Valley Investigative Unit was advised and will continue the investigation which could result in additional charges in the future.