Ryan Leach, 43, of Bellefontaine, was charged Saturday, Dec. 28, with possession of an open container following a traffic stop initiated by deputies from the the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
The stop occurred around 10:32 p.m. in the area of Sandusky and Columbus avenues after deputies observed a silver 2009 Honda Pilot with a non-functioning rear license plate light. The vehicle turned into the parking lot of Solid Rock Baptist Church, where deputies conducted the stop.
Leach, appearing agitated and yelling, admitted he did not have a valid driver’s license. During a search of the vehicle, multiple open containers of alcoholic beverages, including Twisted Tea and wine coolers, were found in the center console, under the front passenger seat and in the trunk. No signs of impairment were noted.
Further investigation revealed the vehicle’s license plate was registered to a different vehicle — a Jeep — and Leach could not provide proof of ownership for the Honda Pilot. Dispatch confirmed that Leach was under a non-compliance suspension. He reportedly paced frantically during a search of the vehicle, which was ultimately towed from the scene.
In addition to the open container charge, Leach was cited for driving under suspension and fictitious registration. The case has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review.