Search of impounded car leads to drug charges for Middletown man

A traffic stop for a turn signal violation led Middletown police to arrest a Middletown man for several charges, including drug abuse/methamphetamine and carrying a concealed weapon.

Middletown police said they noticed a red Ford Mustang, driven by Fiorinto Marinelli, Jr., 46, of Franklin, failed to use its turn signal several times when changing lanes.

The car was stopped Wednesday afternoon in the area of Ohio 122 and Dixie Highway, according to the report.

The passenger in the car, identified as Dallas Hopkins III, 21, of Middletown, had several active warrants, police said.

Marinelli also was found to be driving under suspension, the report said. Marinelli was charged with driving under suspension and turn signal and lane violations. He was released.

When the car was impounded and towed, an inventory was done and police found a loaded .38 caliber Taurus revolver, several rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, 6.11 grams of methamphetamine, methamphetamine pipes, a scale and empty cellophane baggies in a backpack belonging to Hopkins, the report said.

Hopkins was charged with drug abuse/methamphetamine, carrying a concealed weapon, improper handling of a firearm, drug paraphernalia and warrants through the Middletown Municipal Court.

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