Traffic stop on Gavin Road results in drug and firearm arrest

According to a release from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department, a routine traffic stop over the weekend led to the arrest of a Holmes County man on multiple drug and firearm charges.

On March 30, 2025, a deputy with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office encountered a vehicle stopped in the middle of Gavin Road. Upon initiating a traffic stop, the deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Justin Blankenship.

During the interaction, the deputy noticed two firearms in plain view on the vehicle’s passenger seat. K9 Times was called to the scene and alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.

A search of Blankenship’s person turned up a small plastic bag containing methamphetamine. Further examination of the vehicle led to the discovery of additional illegal substances and drug-related items, including THC wax, a bowl containing methamphetamine, and several glass smoking pipes.

Blankenship was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The investigation remains ongoing.