While Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were patrolling in Eureka Tuesday evening, November 21st, a vehicle was observed driving without a license plate, according to a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release.
The driver and passenger were observed switching seats as the deputy turned around to perform a traffic stop. The deputy stopped the vehicle and noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle as he contacted the two occupants who were identified as 29 year old Ryan Coons, and 23 year old Felicia Garza.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered Coons had an outstanding felony warrant and Garza’s driver’s license was suspended. Deputies performed a search of the vehicle and located additional drug paraphernalia, cash, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Both Coons and Garza were arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
During the booking process at the correctional facility, Humboldt County correctional deputies discovered additional fentanyl and methamphetamine concealed on Coons’ person. The amount discovered was over 26 grams of fentanyl and over 3 grams of methamphetamine.
Due to the controlled substance charges and drug concealment, Humboldt County correctional deputies utilized the facility’s body scanner to check for further illicit substances. Coons was found to be in possession of contraband inside his person and was asked to surrender the controlled substance which he refused. Coons was subsequently placed in a holding cell for further observation.
While in observation, Coons suffered a medical emergency, and he was transported to an off-site medical facility for treatment. While at the medical facility a search warrant was obtained, and correctional deputies recovered an additional 318 grams of suspected fentanyl from Coons.
Coons and Garza were charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession for sales, transportation of a controlled substance, conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Coons was also charged with possession of a controlled substance inside a correctional facility, and concealing evidence.
