Two people face drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop that occurred early this morning on McNabb Street.
A news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service states that Jesse Stoddart and Patricia Vierimaa were arrested after responding officers seized suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and pepper spray from a vehicle.
Full text of the news release follows:
On Sept. 16, 2021, officers with Patrol Services charged 27-year-old Jesse Stoddart and 24-year-old Patricia Vierimaa with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Around 1:24 a.m., officers observed a vehicle travelling west on McNabb Street with an expired validation sticker and an obstructed licence plate. Officers executed a traffic stop in the area of Clearview Drive. Upon approaching the vehicle, Mr. Stoddart was in the driver’s seat and Ms. Vierimaa was in the front passenger seat. Both identified themselves. Officers conducted a record check and learned Mr. Stoddart is currently suspended from driving.
Officers asked Mr. Stoddart to exit the vehicle.When he did, officers observed a bag containing cannabis in the driver’s side door. At this time, officers developed grounds to believe cannabis was contained in the vehicle in contravention of the Cannabis Control Act. At this time officers went to execute an arrest of both of the accused and Mr. Stoddart attempted to flee the area on foot. Officers gained control of him and both of the accused were arrested.
A subsequent search of the vehicle found a bag containing approximately 1.42 grams of purple powder believed to be fentanyl, five bags containing approximately 24.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a canister of pepper spray, and $865 of Canadian currency. The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is $3,580.
They were arrested.
Mr. Stoddart is charged with:
• possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• possession of a controlled substance;
• possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
• unauthorized possession of a weapon;
• fail to comply with prohibition order to not possess a weapon;
• obstrcuting a peace officer; and
• fail to comply with a release order to not possess unlawful drugs/substances
He was held for bail court and remanded into custody to appear in court on Sept. 20, 2021.
Ms. Vierimaa is charged with:
• possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• possession of a controlled substance;
• possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
• unauthorized possession of a weapon; and
• fail to comply with prohibition order to not possess a weapon
She was held for bail court and released and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 25, 2021.