Ada resident charged with drug trafficking
Apr. 20—An Ada man was recently charged with drug trafficking after a woman he was with allegedly overdosed on fentanyl.
Joshua Tyler VanZant, 36, was charged in Pontotoc County District Court with felony trafficking in illegal drugs (fentanyl); trafficking in illegal drugs (methamphetamine); and unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) with intent to distribute.
The woman who overdosed — Chelsi Lynn Smith, 31, Ada — was charged with felony child neglect.
Emergency personnel and Ada police responded to a residence in the 800 block of Gardena St. Feb. 10 for the reported overdose.
"Upon my arrival, other officers and I secured the scene," Ada Police Officer Kyle Power said in a report. "I learned that (another officer) had administered one dose of Narcan to the left nostril of the female subject, later identified as Chelsi Smith, and was relieved by Mercy (EMS) personnel. (Smith) was unresponsive and was carried and loaded into the back of a Mercy ambulance."
Power said he spoke with VanZant, who made the call 911.
"(VanZant) was sweating profusely and had shortness of breath," Power said. "I asked (VanZant) why he was sweating, to which he stated because he was doing chest compressions and running back and forth. I asked how Smith usually takes her fentanyl, to which (VanZant) replied by stating, "She smokes it."
Power said he learned from VanZant that there were two juveniles asleep on the couch and that they were Smith's children.
Power said he checked on the children to make sure they were okay. He said the children were later released to a relative who lived nearby.
"(VanZant) stated he arrived at the house earlier in the day to spend time with (Smith) because he hadn't seen her in years," Power said. "(VanZant) stated it took a long time to get the children to fall asleep, so it was really 'hectic' on Smith. (VanZant) stated he had gone to get a drink outside, and when he went back inside the house, he found Smith on the bed unresponsive. (VanZant) stated (Smith) had told him earlier that 'she wanted to use.' I asked (VanZant), 'Use what?' to which he replied, 'Fentanyl.' (VanZant) had trouble comprehending my questions and I had to repeat them on multiple occasions."
Power said VanZant's story of the chain of events changed throughout their discussion.
"Sgt. (Jussely) Canada asked VanZant which car he drove, in which he informed us, 'the gold one,'" Power said. "The vehicle did not come back to VanZant being the owner, but the address on the vehicle information is the same address that is listed on (VanZant's) driver's license. Sgt. Canada informed (VanZant) that he probably shouldn't be driving for the rest of the day. Sgt Canada informed VanZant that he needed to find a ride because he could not stay in the house."
Police officers then escorted the children to the nearby relative's house, at which time VanZant reportedly left the scene.
After VanZant had left, police found a large envelope that was filled with drugs and paraphernalia, according to Power. The package was reportedly found on top of the front left tire of the vehicle which reportedly belonged to VanZant.
Power said police took the package to the Ada Police Department and searched it. Among other items, police reportedly found large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.
A warrant was later issued for VanZant's arrest, and, as of press time Friday, remains active.
