Police discover almost 100 pounds of marijuana after vehicle pursuit

MARANA — On July 6, at approximately 9:47 p.m., a deputy of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Tucson Mountain District observed a Chevrolet Suburban on Twin Peaks Road.

The deputy noticed how the vehicle crossed onto the dirt shoulder, kicking up dirt several times. He then attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the vicinity of Twin Peaks Road and Quarry Road. The vehicle eventually stopped in the middle of the roadway. As the deputy approached the vehicle on foot, the car took off eastbound. A pursuit was initiated and the SUV was ultimately stopped in a business parking lot in the 8200 block of North Silverbell Road.

While the driver was detained by deputies, several other individuals fled on foot from the passenger side of the vehicle. Additional units, who subsequently arrived at the scene, used containment tactics and began a search for the outstanding subjects. The search involved a canine unit as well as the Sheriff’s Air Unit. The driver was taken into custody, but the other individuals remained at large. It is suspected that they were undocumented aliens.

Inside the vehicle, deputies found almost 100 pounds of marijuana. The vehicle was impounded and the driver, later identified as 19-year-old Zenas U. Johnson, was arrested. He was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center on charges of possession of marijuana, transportation of marijuana for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful flight from law enforcement.

For the complete article see the 08-01-2012 issue.

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