On Thursday, November 1, 2012, two people were arrested on drug charges. At approximately 11:00 am, an off duty Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed what he believed was a drug transaction taking place.
Sgt Todd Lussier was stopped at the intersection of East Duval St. and Country Club when he observed the alleged drug transaction between a man and a woman in the parking lot of Columbia Discount Beverage. Sgt Lussier identified himself as a deputy sheriff. The male suspect fled to his vehicle and left the scene. Sgt Lussier made contact with the female suspect at her vehicle. The female suspect handed Sgt Lussier a piece of suspected crack cocaine that was given to her by the male suspect. Sgt Lussier asked the female to exit her vehicle. The female suspect did not comply and drove away from the scene, nearly striking Sgt Lussier in the process. Sgt Lussier followed the female suspect while speaking with 911 operators. Patrol units from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office were able to conduct a traffic stop on the female suspect at the intersection of East Duval St. and S.R. 100. The female was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies were able to locate the male suspect’s vehicle at Cider St. and Beech St. A resident of a home at that intersection found the suspect hiding in a closet. Deputies took the suspect into custody without incident and recovered narcotics from the closet he was found hiding in.
Sgt Todd Lussier is assigned to the Patrol Division as a shift supervisor.
Arrested:
Willie Folston, 07/19/1992
148 N.E. Poppy Way, Lake City, FL
Charges: Sale of a Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest Without Violence
Bond: $11,000.00
Catherine Marie Smith, 06/24/1964
351 N.E. Diana Terrace, Lake City, FL
Charges: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Listed Drugs without a Prescription
Bond: $17,000.00
