CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chillicothe Police Department is investigating a case after a routine traffic stop uncovered a stolen license plate, a firearm, and suspected narcotics on Thursday.
Officers initially responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle near Burger King on North Bridge Street. The vehicle, a blue Dodge truck bearing dealer plates, was pulled over for further investigation.
While the vehicle itself wasn’t stolen, officers discovered that the license plate belonged to Herrnstein Auto Group on Marietta Road and had been reported missing. Detectives were called to the scene, leading to a search of the truck.
The search yielded a Hi-Point 9mm handgun with a scratched-off serial number tucked behind the driver’s seat. Additionally, officers found a clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine, along with a handgun magazine in the glove box.
The driver, identified as Steven Whiting, was arrested at the scene on outstanding warrants. The passenger was initially released but a background check revealed both individuals were convicted felons, making them ineligible to possess firearms.
Authorities are awaiting laboratory analysis to confirm the identity of the suspected drugs. Mr. Whiting faces potential charges related to the stolen license plate, firearm possession as a convicted felon, and possible drug possession pending lab results.