From Harrison County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Jeffrey J. McAtee

 

On Friday, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department’s Patrol Division and the West Virginia Natural Resource Police became involved in a pursuit of a blue Jeep Cherokee on Sycamore Road in Harrison County after the vehicle’s two occupants provided false ID’s to Chief Deputy Steve Johnson, who had approached the vehicle on a suspicious vehicle complaint.

 

The pursuit ended when the driver, Larry Defrietas, got his vehicle stuck in a field along U.S. Route 19 near Meadowview Apartments. After a short foot chase through the field, Defrietas, was taken into custody.  It was discovered that Defrietas had approximately 17 grams of methamphetamine in a pill bottle in his pocket.  

 

The passenger, Kristin L Gustke, was wanted out of Wood County on other criminal charges, as was Defrietas. The pair was taken into custody and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department’s Street Crimes and Drug (SCAD) was called to the scene.  

 

The SCAD unit requested the Anmoore Police Department’s K9 unit to respond to assist. The Anmoore K9 gave a positive alert for drugs on the suspect’s vehicle. Members of the SCAD Unit then obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s vehicle.

 

As the result of the execution of this search warrant, a total of 57 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 7 grams of raw heroin, and 15 grams of marijuana was located in the suspect’s vehicle.  In addition to the drugs, a loaded .357 Tarus handgun was found.  The total street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $12,000.

 

Defrietas, 43, and Gustke, 28, both of Parkersburg, are charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and 3 counts of conspiracy, all felonies.  In addition, Defrietas, is charged with felony fleeing with reckless indifference. The suspects were lodged in the North Central Regional Jail to await arraignment.