Centralia Police in conjunction with the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force has arrested three St. Louis area residents on multiple felony drug charges after a large amount of narcotics are seized following an early Wednesday evening vehicle and foot chase.
25-year-old Frank Purtty, 28-year-old Ronnie Mottley, and 33-year-old Marquis Terrell Davis were all arrested for possession with intent to deliver 321.5 grams of methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver 68 grams of cocaine and possession with intent to deliver 142.5 grams of fentanyl. All were taken to the Washington County Jail at Nashville.
Centralia Police say following an attempted traffic stop, the vehicle fled south on US 51 to the Irvington Exit. Purtty, who was driving the vehicle, reportedly drove off the road and the vehicle became disabled in a ditch. All three occupants fled on foot. Two entered separate residences, one that was unoccupied at the time and the other that was abandoned.
Both Centralia K9 units were deployed. One of the K9 units tracked a suspect to a home where he jumped out a window and continued to flee. The handler and K9 were able to take the suspect into custody. Both remaining suspects were pursued by agents and officers on foot and were also taken into custody.
Centralia Police report most of the drugs were left behind in the unoccupied home one of the suspects entered while other drugs were allegedly found in the car.
Centralia Police say the partnership between the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force and Centralia Police stopped the delivery of a significant amount of illegal substances to Centralia. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office also assisted.
In addition to the drug charges, Purtty also faces numerous traffic citations and Mottley was arrested for criminal trespass to the unoccupied residence.
