OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A routine traffic stop on Jones Avenue in Oak Hill took a serious turn on September 3 when police discovered illegal narcotics during a search, leading to the arrest of one of the vehicle’s passengers.
Patrolman First Class S. M. Wilshire of the Oak Hill Police Department was conducting routine patrols when he noticed a green Toyota Tacoma pull into the Quick Check gas station. The driver, identified as Kevin Settle, and the front seat passenger, Precious Gray, were both known to Wilshire. After confirming through the emergency operations center that Settle’s driver’s license was suspended, Wilshire initiated a traffic stop when the vehicle left the gas station and continued along Route 61.
During the stop, Wilshire observed suspicious behavior from Gray, who was seen discarding a piece of tin foil with black residue—indicative of drug paraphernalia—onto the floorboard of the truck. Wilshire conducted a pat-down for officer safety and had Settle wait in his patrol car. While questioning Settle, Wilshire learned that Settle had picked up Gray from the gas station to give her a ride. Settle admitted his license was suspended but hoped to have it reinstated soon.
Although Settle was initially let off with a warning for the driving offense, Wilshire informed him that a probable cause search of the vehicle would be conducted due to the paraphernalia Gray had discarded. Settle objected to the search, becoming noticeably nervous, but Wilshire proceeded, bringing out K9 partner Apollo for a sniff of the vehicle. Apollo alerted to the presence of drugs, prompting a thorough search.
Inside the vehicle, officers recovered drug paraphernalia, including a clear baggie containing multiple “stamps” of a white/brown powder, believed to be fentanyl, as well as more suspected drugs hidden in Gray’s purse. The total weight of the seized drugs, including fentanyl and a crystal-like substance, amounted to over 25 grams.
Gray was arrested on the scene and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Following her arrest, Gray admitted to having additional drugs hidden in her clothing, which she voluntarily surrendered. Settle, meanwhile, was released from the scene after a certified driver arrived to take him home.
Gray was transported to the Southern Regional Jail, where she awaits further legal proceedings. The case remains under investigation by Oak Hill law enforcement, who continue to combat the daily distribution of illegal narcotics in the region.
