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Kent, Portage County officials arrest 9 during concentrated drug and weapons enforcement

In just eight hours, officials arrested nine individuals and confiscated seven illegally transported firearms, in addition to drugs

KENT, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous story.

Kent Police in collaboration with the Portage County Drug Task Force and the Portage County Sheriff's office were able to arrest several people during a concentrated drug and weapons enforcement surveillance on April 15. 

The surveillance included multiple traffic stops in areas believed to be involved with illegal activity. 

In just eight hours, officials arrested nine individuals and confiscated seven illegally transported firearms, in addition to drugs including cocaine and marijuana.

"This is not a normal day in the City of Kent, and this was not a search warrant on a particular residence," said Police Chief Nicholas Shearer. 

Of the weapons seized, one was and AR-style riffle and the other, a semi-automatic hand gun. According to reports, both were visible in plain sight when officers approached the vehicle.

"We are extremely thankful that no one was hurt in these incidents, and it is only because of the training and quick thinking of the officers involved that none of these incidents resulted in serious confrontations that could have resulted in serious injury or death," said Chief Shearer. 

Those arrested face varying charging including but not limited to driving under suspension, possession of marijuana and outstanding warrants. 

  • Zephaniah Robinson, 19, of Ravenna was arrested and charged with marijuana possession and Improper Handling of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle. He was in possession of a loaded rifle and loaded shotgun at the ready on the center console. He had a passenger who was not charged.
  • Nathen Lozada, 26,  of Akron was arrested and charged with driving under suspension, fictitious plates, possession of marijuana and improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle. He had a loaded .22 caliber handgun underneath the seat and additional ammunition in the center console. He had a passenger who was not charged.

The following names and charges are the result of a single traffic stop:

  • Reco Simmons, 28, of Cleveland, charged with driving under suspension, marked Lanes and possession of marijuana
  • Jamal Williams , 27, of Cleveland, charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. He had a loaded handgun within his reach inside the vehicle.
  • Rondell Harris, 32, of East Cleveland, charged with weapons under disability and improper Handling of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle. He also had a loaded handgun within his reach inside the vehicle.

A fourth passenger was not charged.

"We are grateful to the Portage County Drug Task Force and the Portage County Sheriff's Office for this teamwork, and to all officers involved for their tremendous professionalism and composure on what were some very alarming finds."

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