LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Noah Ritchie arrested two individuals on I–75 approximately 2 miles north of London after being dispatched to a complaint of two individuals apparently passed out in their vehicle on the right shoulder at the 42 mile marker southbound on Sunday morning July 2, 2023 at approximately 7:29 AM.
When Deputy Ritchie arrived at the scene he located the vehicle on the shoulder and two individuals apparently passed out inside the vehicle.
Deputy Ritchie noted observing a pipe hanging out of the side of the mouth of the male occupant. Upon awakening him and as the individual exited the vehicle Deputy Ritchie noted observing aluminum foil with possible drug residue on it.
In addition this individual was found in possession of multiple blue pills determined to be oxycodone. Deputy Ritchie also located multiple pipes inside the vehicle and multiple pieces of aluminum foil with burn markings on them.
A female occupant inside the vehicle was found in possession of multiple pipes and suspected Xanax along with multiple pieces of aluminum foil that were burnt.
Both occupants were determined to be under the influence and taken into custody.
The two arrested individuals were identified as: Jeffrey M. Heinke age 29 of Eagle, Colorado and Lauren E. Merck age 29 of Eagle, Colorado.
L to R: Jeffrey M. Heinke and Lauren E. Merck
Jeffrey Heinke was charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – opiates
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Public intoxication – controlled substances
Lauren Merck was charged with:
- possession of a controlled substance – third-degree
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Prescription controlled substances not in proper container – first offense
- Public intoxication – controlled substances
These two individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photos of accused attached are courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
