November 17, 2013: Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Seizure

Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on November 17, 2013, Deputy B. K. Howery of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol on Frame Road in the Elkview area.  He witnessed a vehicle speeding and turned to follow it.  The vehicle crossed the center line and also had defective lights on the rear of the vehicle.  A traffic stop was made at the Elkview park-and-ride near the intersection of Will’s Creek and Frame Road.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was Donald Russell Falls, 35 years old of Walgrove Road, Elkview, WV.  Deputy Howery detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Mr. Falls breath.  He asked Mr. Falls to exit the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests.  As Mr. Falls was getting out of his car a small baggie containing a leafy substance fell to the ground.  The substance had an odor of marijuana.  A field test indicated it was marijuana.  During a subsequent search of the vehicle additional bag of marijuana was located and seized.  Inside that bag were six separate baggies of marijuana.  In sum the marijuana weighed more than 50 grams and has an estimated street value of more than $500.00.

Mr. Falls was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a felony.  His vehicle was towed.  He was taken to South Central Regional Jail to await arraignment. 

Attached is a mug shot taken of Mr. Falls, and a picture of the seized marijuana on a digital scale taken by Deputy Howery.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Falls are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

304-357-0732 / 304-951-7328