An investigation into a shooting inadvertently led to the discovery of about three pounds of marijuana Tuesday, according to a Columbus Police Department press release.
Mondrale Averhart, 33, of Columbus, is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and receiving stolen property.
Chief Joseph Daughtry, the Criminal Investigation Division and the Viper Unit were canvassing the area around Seventh Street and Seventh Avenue South while investigating a tip about a Monday afternoon shooting, the press release said.
The officers responded to a report of suspicious vehicles parked in a vacant lot in the area shortly after 2 p.m., Community Liaison Glenda Richardson told The Dispatch. Further inspection found one of the vehicles smelled strongly of marijuana.
A license plate check revealed one of the vehicles, an Infiniti, was reported stolen in Memphis and registered to a plate belonging to a BMW.
K-9 unit Bubba was then brought in to conduct a search of the vehicle, and he alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. Inside the car, police discovered approximately three pounds of marijuana and a large sum of cash. Daughtry did not disclose the amount of money found.
Averhart is being held at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center awaiting his initial court appearance. Additional arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation continues, the press release said.
“We are committed to removing dangerous drugs and stolen property from our community, and we appreciate the public’s help in identifying suspicious activity,” Daughtry said in the press release. “This operation demonstrates the continued dedication of our officers and specialized units to making Columbus a safer place.”
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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