A hit and run call led to the arrest of a Mahanoy City man in Pottsville on drug, firearm, and DUI charges.
The suspect vehicle was located a short time later, near the intersection of N. Progress Ave. and Terry Reiley Way.
As officers approached the vehicle a strong odor of Marijuana was detected coming from inside the vehicle.
Officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Joseph Ryan Grutza, 22, of Mahanoy City.
Grutza exhibited signs of impairment and drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view inside the vehicle.
A search incident to arrest was conducted, which led police to locate a Smith & Wesson revolver in Grutza’s waistband along with Methamphetamine and more drug paraphernalia.
Grutza was transported by police to the hospital for DUI testing.
A check of Grutza’s information revealed that he was a person not allowed to possess a firearm and did not have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Police learned that Grutza’s driving privileges were also suspended.
A criminal complaint was completed by Ptlm Christopher Hamilton charging Grutza with Person not to possess a firearm, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicle or property.
Grutza was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Rossi who set bail at $75,000. Grutza was unable to post bail and was committed to the Schuylkill County Prison.