Ashland detective stops suspected drug deal in Walmart parking lot

An Ashland detective stopped a suspected drug deal in a Walmart parking lot on Monday, leading to one arrest and the seizure of suspected drugs, cash and a firearm.

Ashland police detective Brian Evans, a member of the METRICH drug task force, interrupted the suspected drug deal in the parking lot of Walmart, 1996 E. Main St. The incident involved 33-year-old Curtis Crowell of Ashland.

Crowell's residence on Virginia Avenue was searched later in the day. Police seized suspected heroin, suspected crack cocaine, a .40-caliber pistol, cash and drug paraphernalia.

Crowell was charged with a third-degree felony charge of trafficking in cocaine with a firearms specification.

Evans was at the store doing unrelated follow up when the suspected deal took place.

Originally published in the News Journal on October 18, 2017.