Williamsburg K-9 dog leads police to two drug arrests Thursday

Over the course of seven hours Thursday evening and early Friday morning, Williamsburg Police Department K-9, Rico, assisted in the discovery of drugs inside two vehicles and the arrest of two people.

The first incident occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. Thursday after someone approached Chief Wayne Bird about a possible reckless driver, who the person thought might be under the influence, according to a press release.

A few minutes later, Bird observed the vehicle getting onto I-75 going north and weaving in and out of its lane of travel.
"Upon conducting a traffic stop, Chief Bird noticed that all subjects in the vehicle appeared to be very nervous," according to the release.

Bird then called for K-9 Officer Brandon Prewitt and Rico. Rico searched the perimeter of the vehicle and indicated the possible presence of drugs near the left rear door in the passenger compartment, the release noted.

"A further search of the subject sitting in that particular seat revealed a plastic wrapper with a white powder substance inside, concealed in the suspect’s jacket pocket. The white powder substance was believed to be cocaine," the release stated.
Bird charged George E. Ingram, 54, of Cynthiana, with first-degree possession of a controlled substance and lodged him in the Whitley County Detention Center.

The driver of the vehicle was not charged.

About 1:30 a.m. Friday, Whitley County Sheriff’s Sgt. Dennis Foley and Deputy Dorman Patrick noticed a vehicle that was possibly broken down on US25W about two miles north of Williamsburg.

The two deputies stopped to assist the driver and noticed that the woman appeared to be nervous trying to distance herself from deputies and acting in a strange manner, according to the release.

Foley called for a K-9 unit, and Rico indicated the possible presence of drugs inside the 1996 Chevrolet, the release noted.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered two vials of liquid morphine, a Lidocane patch, four syringes, a small straw used for snorting substances, a smoking pipe and a baggy of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, according to the release.

Prewitt charged Melissa A. Johnson, 40, of Wash Place Road, with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and lodged her in the Whitley County Detention Center.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Les Moses also assisted at the scene.

"Rico, the faithful K-9 companion to K-9 Officer Brandon Prewitt, continues to be a great asset in getting criminals off the streets in Whitley County," said Williamsburg Public Affairs Officer Shawn Jackson.

"Not only did Rico track down and assist in the apprehension of a known felon the day before, but he also played a vital role in the two following drug investigations. Rico is a triple threat K-9 that is trained in drug, narcotic detection, tracking and patrol apprehension. K-9 Rico will continue to fight the drug problem, keeping criminals back peddling on their heels while in Whitley County."