Medical Call Leads to Large Fentanyl Pill Bust at Busy Rochester Parking Lot
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police Officers found hundreds of fentanyl pills after responding to a medical call at a busy Rochester parking lot.
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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court on Monday.
Responding officers found a parked and running pick-up with an unconscious but breathing driver inside when they arrived at the parking lot shortly after 6:15 p.m. on Friday.
Charges: Rochester Man Caught With 500+ Fentanyl Pills in Busy Parking Lot
The pick-up was parked in a large commercial lot near the intersection of North Broadway and 37th St. Police later identified the driver as 23-year-old Jack Ryan Farrell.
The Rochester man was awakened by an officer who opened the unlocked vehicle door. The charges allege he was showing signs of impairment but did not smell of alcohol.
If you or someone you know if struggling with drug and/or alcohol dependence, help is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. To speak to someone on the phone, dial 1-800-622-HELP (1-800-622-4357) or send a text message to 1-800-487-4889.
Based on Farrell’s behavior while speaking to police, the officers arrested him on suspicion of impaired driving, the complaint states.
Upon searching Farrell’s person, officers found two dollar bills with a white powder residue and a blue M30 pill that police say is typically laced with fentanyl, the charging document states.
The officers then initiated a warrantless search of the vehicle and found a baggie containing what the charges describe as a large amount of the M30 pills. The pills later tested positive for fentanyl, according to the complaint.
One officer counted 549 full and partial pills in the baggie, the complaint states. Police also found $326 in cash on the pick-up’s driver’s seat, the charges say.
The officers brought Farrell to the Olmsted County Jail where they collected a urine sample from him. During an interview with police Farrell admitted the suspected fentanyl pills were his but said they were for personal use, the complaint says.
He stated he used to sell fentanyl pills and described himself as a “middleman” in the drug trade. He said he was waiting to meet a friend in the parking lot, the court document says.
Farrell then showed the officer his text messages and the officer saw one message that accused Farrell of selling drugs to maintain his lifestyle, according to the charges.
Farrell was charged Monday with first-degree drug sales and first-degree drug possession. His bail was set at $50,000 without conditions and he’s due back in court later this month.
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