Abduction Claim Leads To Big Pot Bust

HARRISONBURG — An investigation into an abduction led to a pot bust late Wednesday in Bridgewater in which police estimate more than $300,000 worth of drugs was recovered.

Officer Greg Martin with the Bridgewater Police Department obtained a search warrant for 106 S. Sandstone Lane as part of the probe into an incident that occurred earlier this month.

Thomas Harrison Tyler, 61, who lives at the Sandstone Lane address, was arrested on charges of misdemeanor assault and felony abduction involving a “known acquaintance” on Nov. 16, said Bridgewater Lt. J.R. Dodd.

“It was not a random abduction,” said Dodd, adding that the incident was taken care of early Nov. 16.

Martin searched Tyler’s home Wednesday as part of his investigation, with the assistance of the RUSH Drug Task Force, based on a tip that the case may have a drug aspect to it, said Special Agent Mark Campbell of the Virginia State Police, who oversees the task force.

Inside the home, police found more than 100 marijuana plants growing, and a RUSH agent then obtained another search warrant for the property.

Police confiscated 110 marijuana plants, 3 pounds of processed marijuana, cultivation equipment and other paraphernalia, and a shotgun, according to the search warrant affidavit.

Campbell said the estimated street value of the plants is $3,000 each, while the 3 pounds of pot is worth between $3,000 and $3,600.

RUSH investigators plan to seek indictments for drug charges against Tyler, who remained at the Rockingham County Jail late Thursday.
 
Contact Jeremy Hunt at 574-6273 or jhunt@dnronline.com