Suspected heroin overdoses lead to three arrests

The METRICH Enforcement Unit with the assistance of ASORT, the Mansfield Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office served a drug-related search warrant at 577½ Davidson St. on Friday after four suspected heroin overdoses had arrived at MedCentral/Mansfield Hospital during an 11-hour time period, according to a news release from the agency.

Detectives located a loaded 38-caliber handgun, crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, ecstasy pills and seized $989 in cash.

A baggie with an unknown powder was collected as evidence and submitted to the crime lab for testing, according to the news release.

Detectives arrested Travon Johnson, 21, of 147 Buckingham Ave., on a charge of possession of marijuana. Also charged were Depaul Roane, 20, of 577½ Davidson St., on a charge of possession of crack cocaine and weapons under disability, and Kendal Boolman, 24, of 830 W. Third St., on a charge of possession of marijuana and possession of drugs, according to METRICH.

Further charges may be pending upon review of the Richland County Prosecutors Office.

Mansfield police Lt. Keith Porch credited the quick action of detectives in an attempt to combat the heroin epidemic that this community and the METRICH region face.

Citizens are encouraged to be proactive by reporting suspected drug activity.

Originally published in the News Journal on February 23, 2014.