A man who was left behind by a fleeing vehicle and attempted to run from police was jailed on felony drug charges this week after police say he dropped over 100 grams of methamphetamine and 20 grams of fentanyl during the ensuing foot chase.
Police charged Brian Boblick, 41, of Mount Carmel, with two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, a felony count of possession of fentanyl, a misdemeanor count of possession of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia following the Jan. 16, incident in Maizeville.
Boblick was arraigned via video conference on Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli. The judge set Boblick’s bail at $75,000 cash with the caveat that any money posted for bail not be the proceeds of illicit transactions.
At about 11 a.m. on the day in question earlier this year, police say they were checking the area following a reported disturbance. Police observed a gray Dodge Durango pull into a driveway on the 1500 block of Main St. to pick up two people walking away from the area.
When police approached, one person got into the rear passenger seat. However, as Boblick attempted to enter, the driver sped away, leaving him behind, police say. Boblick then fled on foot, dropping numerous objects from his pockets as he ran, before being detained by police a short distance away.
Boblick had an active Schuylkill County Adult Probation warrant at the time of his arrest, police say. During is arraignment this week, Tartentelli asked Boblick if he’d ever failed to show for any appearances related to previous charges against him. After saying no, initially, the judge asked him why there was an active warrant for his arrest. Boblick said it was for absconding. Tarantelli reminded him that that would be failing to appear.
Police say they retraced Boblick’s path after he ran and recovered the items he allegedly dropped or tossed, which included a digital scale, empty wax packets, a metal sifter, packaging materials, and multiple bags containing suspected narcotics.
Lab tests completed earlier this month allegedly confirmed the recovered items included 104.62 grams of methamphetamine and 20.05 grams of fentanyl, with an estimated combined street value of $3,000, police say. A third recovered powder was determined not to be a controlled substance, though police said it is suspected to be a cutting agent.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...