By Staff Report
A routine traffic stop in Holmes County escalated into a significant law enforcement operation resulting in two arrests and the seizure of drugs and a firearm, according to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies initiated the stop on McGee Road after identifying a vehicle driven by Laurence Stella. During the encounter, K9 Timex was deployed and quickly alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.
Stella informed deputies that he had ingested fentanyl, prompting the immediate dispatch of emergency medical services to evaluate his condition.
A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered multiple illegal items, including:
• A loaded Glock handgun found on the driver’s side floorboard
• A pill bottle containing amphetamine pills located in the driver’s door
• A plastic bag of marijuana discovered in the back seat
Authorities also identified a passenger in the vehicle, Jaxx High, who was found in possession of THC edibles concealed in his luggage. Further investigation revealed that Stella had active warrants out of Tennessee. High, meanwhile, was currently out on bond for a homicide charge stemming from Memphis.
Both individuals were taken into custody on the following charges:
Laurence Stella
• Fugitive warrant (Tennessee)
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Felon in possession of a firearm
Jaxx High
• Possession of marijuana over 20 grams
All charges and information related to this incident are according to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.
GARETT VALCOURT 