Two Mendocino County residents were arrested early Saturday morning following a vehicle crash in Healdsburg, where officers discovered drugs and paraphernalia.
As per a press release issued by the Healdsburg Police Department, officers responded at 1:18 a.m. to a report of a vehicle crashing into the curb near First and Piper streets, with loud music blaring from the scene. Upon arrival, officers found the driver and passenger passed out inside the vehicle and requested medical assistance as a precaution.
After speaking with the individuals, officers suspected the driver was under the influence of a substance. A subsequent investigation and vehicle search led to the arrest of both the driver and passenger on drug-related charges. Authorities seized 78.9 grams of methamphetamine and 7.31 pounds of marijuana from the vehicle.
The driver, identified as 35-year-old Ryan Roy Downey of Covelo, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of drugs for sale.
The passenger, 40-year-old Courtney Luscko Hamilton of Ukiah, was also arrested on similar charges, including possession of drugs for sale and drug paraphernalia.
Both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.
It must be stated that the charges have not been proven in a court of law. In accordance with the legal principle of the presumption of innocence, any individual described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
