BRIDGEPORT, Ohio – A man with multiple outstanding warrants is facing a long list of new charges after a police chase in the village ended in a crash and a major drug seizure, the Bridgeport Police Department announced Monday.
According to Bridgeport Police, officers on routine patrol attempted to stop a vehicle driven by John Huggins Jr. when they recognized him as having several active warrants out of Belmont County Court. Huggins refused to stop, leading officers on a short pursuit before crashing.
During the investigation, officers recovered approximately 71 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 5.5 grams of suspected fentanyl, a Taurus firearm, and $507 in cash.
Huggins now faces multiple charges, including Failure to Comply with the Order or Signal of Police Officers, two counts of Felony 1 Drug Trafficking, two counts of Felony 3 Drug Possession, Tampering with Evidence, Having Weapons While Under Disability, Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle, Possessing Criminal Tools, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Felonious Assault.
The Bridgeport Police Department was assisted by the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, Martins Ferry Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol in the arrest.
