Two traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Big Springs late last week led to a drug bust, the recovery of an estimated $80,000 worth of stolen goods, and the arrest of two Colorado men.
Deuel County Sheriff Adam Hayward says his office was alerted to the possibility of two vehicles transporting drugs on the interstate early Thursday morning. Deputies were able to locate the vehicles as they traveled through and stopped them both.
The first vehicle, a 2002 Dodge pickup driven by 36-year-old Bradley Harms of Brighton, Colorado, was stopped on the Interstate and the driver was arrested without incident. Harms was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, driving under suspension, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of stolen property. Deputies found an ounce of meth on his person. The truck was stolen out of Atwood, Kansas and was pulling a trailer that was stolen out of Furnace County, Nebraska. The trailer was reportedly full of stolen tools and other items.
The second vehicle, a 2008 Dodge pickup driven by 56-year-old David Werch of Lockbuie, Colorado, was spotted near Big Springs Thursday morning. Deputies engaged in a pursuit that took them into northeastern Colorado and ended near Chappell when Werch fled on foot. Deputies, assisted by a number of other law enforcement agencies, searched for Werch for approximately four hours in the Goldenrod Wildlife Area. Werch was captured and arrested at about 7:30 Thursday morning.
Werch has been charged with flight to avoid arrest, obstruction, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The truck he was driving had been stolen out of Hitchcock County, Nebraska.
Hayward says the bust solved numerous cases in three states.
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