A suspected mental health crisis resulted in the seizure of several grams of cocaine and a felony drug-related Monday, Feb. 17, by officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department.
James Mundy, 52, of Bellefontaine, was charged with possession of cocaine and lodged in the Logan County Jail after officers discovered the suspected narcotics on him while assisting with his transport to Mary Rutan Hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Police were dispatched around 5:45 p.m. to the corner of north Main Street and east Columbus Avenue on a report of a suspicious person. Upon arrival, officers found Mundy bent over at the waist, appearing disoriented. He reportedly had remained in this position for approximately 15 minutes while stating that he needed help.
During their interaction, officers noted that Mundy was staring at the ground with a vacant expression and making erratic statements. He at one point also pleaded with officers not shoot him.
When emergency responders arrived to assist him into the medic unit, he began yelling. As officers helped him into the vehicle, they conducted a search and found a large baggie containing a white rock-like substance, along with a smaller baggie of a similar substance in his jacket pocket.
Mundy was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital, where he was evaluated and later released. A toxicology report indicated he tested positive for cocaine and THC. After his release, police took him into custody and transported him to the jail.
Officers later located Mundy’s vehicle running at a gas pump at Speedway on south Main Street. The vehicle was towed from the scene. A field test confirmed the seized substances were cocaine, with a total weight of 46.73 grams.