Anderson County K9 unit assists in making drug arrest

James Akes

Linn County Sheriff's Office press release

MOUND CITY – During the early evening hours of Saturday June 14, Deputy Charles Stokes of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a community patrol in the area between Mound City and Sugar Valley Lakes.

Stokes made a proactive stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation, which he observed on Paine Road. Upon contact with the driver, the deputy became suspicious that there were drugs concealed in the vehicle and called for a K9 unit.

Because Linn County’s K9 handler was out because of an injury, a request was sent to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, which responded by sending their K9 and handler, Deputy Austin Jones.

When Deputy Jones arrived on scene his K9 alerted that drugs were concealed in the vehicle resulting in a search of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle the deputies discovered one pound twelve ounces of methamphetamine that was destined to poison our community.

The suspect, Justyn Howell, was arrested and charges have been referred to the county

attorney's office.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for

their assistance during this incident. This is a great example of proactive community patrolling

by our deputies and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.