OKANOGAN – A Tonasket man was arrested for several drug charges, including heroin and methamphetamine possession, after he nearly ran into a county deputy’s patrol car around noon last Sunday.

Deputy Isaiah Holloway was patrolling the parking lot of the El Parisio bar near the casino when a vehicle almost struck his patrol vehicle. The vehicle turned southbound on Apple Way Road and Deputy Holloway stopped the vehicle, according to Sheriff Frank Rogers. Holloway then contacted the driver and passenger in the vehicle. During the stop Deputy Holloway obtained permission to search the vehicle. Sgt. Tony Hawley arrived at the scene to assist along with Deputy Andre Loranc.

“During the search of the vehicle they discovered a plastic bag with several pills in it. They also discovered a large chunk of black material appeared to be black tar heroin. After questioning the subjects in the vehicle it was determined the items belong to Donald L. Thomas, 58 of Tonasket, who was a passenger in the vehicle. The driver was not charged and was allowed to leave after the stop,” said Sheriff Rogers.

The sheriff added that Thomas also had $840 in 20 dollar bills on him and a plastic bag with additional pills and suspected methamphetamine. Thomas was transported to the Okanogan County Jail.

The suspect was booked for possession of legend drug with intent to deliver – clonazepam, 27 pills; possession of legend drug with intent to deliver – Hydrocodone, 12 pills; Possession of legend drug with intent to deliver – Diazepam, 38 pills; Possession of legend drug with intent to deliver – clonazepam, six pills; possession of legend drug with intent to deliver – Buprenorphine, 11 pills; possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver – heroin and possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver – methamphetamine.