Two charged with trafficking and intent to deliver methamphetamine
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RYAN COOK
SAMANTHA STOOPS
By Steven Spencer
Ryan Cook of East Alton and Samantha Stoops of Hartford each received a handful of charges including possession, intent to deliver methamphetamine and trafficking drugs, after trying to evade the Calhoun’s Sheriff Department and finally stopping near Bowling Green, Missouri.
According a release from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, on Saturday, March 25, deputies attempted to stop Cook and Stoops near Poor Farm Hollow Road in Hardin when their vehicle failed to stop and continued northbound on Illinois Route 100 before taking Route 96 towards Pike County, Illinois.
When the vehicle failed to stop for Pike County Sheriff’s Department as well, law enforcement notified Missouri officials that the vehicle may be attempting to cross state lines.
After crossing into Missouri, the vehicle came to a rest in a ditch after hitting stop sticks deployed by the Pike County Missouri Sheriff’s Department.
An investigation following the incident led to the driver, Cook, being charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of methamphetamine (15-100 grams), unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravate fleeing/attempt to elude a peace officer, reckless driving and other traffic offenses in Calhoun County.
Cook’s passenger, Stoops, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of methamphetamine (15-100 grams), and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in Calhoun County.
In addition to their Calhoun County charges, both subjects were also charged in Missouri for trafficking drugs, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence.
Charges are also expected to filed in Pike County.
“The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Pike County Illinois Sheriff’s Department, Pike County Missouri Sheriff’s Department, Louisiana Missouri Police Department, and Bowling Green Police Department for assisting our Deputies in the apprehension of these suspects,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office will continue to take a proactive stance on illegal narcotic sales and trafficking occurring in and through Calhoun County, and will remain aggressive in our pursuit and apprehension of suspects committing these offenses in the Kingdom of Calhoun,” the Sheriff’s department continued in the release. “The Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute these offenders to the full extent of the law.”
