K-9 Ozna Sniffs Out Drugs During Late-Night Traffic Stop on I-77
Washington County, Ohio – Sheriff Warden reports that on 9 Mar 2025 at approximately 0022 hours Deputy Tucker and K9 Ozna were patrolling Interstate 77, when a black sedan with noticeably dark windows bearing an unreadable OH temporary registration, was observed. A traffic stop was conducted near the 6 mile marker (south bound) of Interstate 77, Muskingum Township.
The occupants were identified with one rear passenger being Paul Dickinson. Due to the odor of marijuana present in the vehicle, Deputy Tucker advised the occupants he was going to run K9 Ozna around the vehicle. Before doing so, the occupants were asked in detail if there were any illegal narcotics in the vehicle, K9 Ozna would indicate on, and the occupants’ answer was a unanimous NO.
K9 Ozna was deployed for an open air sniff and provided a positive indication. All occupants were asked to exit the vehicle as a probable cause search was going to be conducted.
A search of the vehicle yielded to the discovery of a white powdery substance sealed in (2) clear bags in a “Big Gulp” cup, a digital scale, and another clear bag in the coat of a coat belonging to Paul Dickinson.
After discovery of the above items, Dickinson, denied the narcotics were his, however, admitted to purchasing a “Big Gulp” drink from a gas station in Zanesville. The digital scale was found in close proximity to where Dickinson was sitting, and the empty bag was found in his jacket. The “Big Gulp” drink cup was also in a cup holder next to Dickinson.
The narcotics were tested and found to be positive for cocaine. The total weight of the cocaine was 8.07 grams.
Paul Edward Dickinson Jr., age 42, 1117 Keen Street, Zanesville, OH, was placed under arrest and charged with tampering with evidence, a 3rd degree felony and possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a 4th degree felony.
Dickinson appeared in Marietta Municipal Court and is being held on $20,000 bond + PR. He will appear in court again on 12 Mar 2025.
