During a late Sunday evening traffic stop initially attempted by a Curry County Patrol Deputy on U.S. Highway 101 near Museum Road in Harbor for erratic driving, the driver of the vehicle initially failed to yield to the emergency lights and fled on foot after finally coming to a stop.
After abandoning the vehicle, the individual ran south towards the California border, leaving two passengers in the vehicle. The deputy initially attempted to give foot chase, however, returned to the vehicle and identified the two passengers as Ruben Aguilarleal from Smith River and 29 year old Angel Shankel of Idaho.
As a K-9 and his Deputy were unable to locate the driver, an investigation and consent search took place at the vehicle, during which approximately a half pound of suspected methamphetamine, packing material and scales were found by a Deputy in a purse that belonged to passenger Angel Shankel, inside the vehicle.
After collecting the evidence, the passenger, Aguilarleal, was released, and Shankel was transported to the Curry County Jail and lodged on Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine.
While at the jail and during the booking process, Shankel was found to be in possession of more suspected methamphetamine and was charged with introducing contraband into a correctional facility.
All evidence was sent to the Oregon State Crime Lab for verification and all information regarding the arrest and evidence was provided to the District Attorney’s Office. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will be continuing the investigation.
