Man faces many meth related charges
On Feb. 9, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Dodge Neon being operated by Ricky Arentz, 48, De Soto, in the township of Freeman. As the deputy approached the vehicle, Arentz accelerated and fled. The deputy pursued Arentz for several miles before Arentz attempted to turn around in a wayside and became stuck in the deep snow. Arentz fled on foot for several yards before being apprehended.
K-9 Breck was utilized for an open free air sniff of the vehicle, giving a positive alert to the presence of one or more controlled substances within the vehicle. Breck sniffed the interior of the vehicle and alerted to a concealment within the vehicle.
Small individual plastic baggies with crystal like substance weighing several grams was located inside the concealment. The crystal-like substance later field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also in the vehicle was a digital scale. Arentz, who displayed several indicators of drug impairment, was taken for further testing.
Subsequently, Arentz was charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, operating with a restricted controlled substance (eighth offense), knowingly eluding an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing justice, felony bail jumping, operating after revocation, failure to install an ignition interlock device, reckless driving, operating without insurance, operating left of center, too fast for conditions and a probation violation. Arentz is on active bond through Winona County, Minn., for possession of 50 or more grams of methamphetamine.
Assisting the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department were the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department, Sonnenberg Towing, Crossing Rivers Hospital, Wisconsin Probation and Parole, and the Winona County Sheriff’s Department.