PPD Press Release (07-01-2005)

The attentive efforts of two Pottstown police officers paid off this morning when they stopped a vehicle in the alley between 2nd & 3rd Streets and seized more than five (5) grams of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Around 2:00 AM Pottstown Officer Edward Kropp, Jr. and Officer Michael McLaughlin were searching for a subject who had been acting suspicious in the area of 5th & Johnson Sts. The officers observed a vehicle in the area that was displaying a PA registration plate but that did not have any PA inspection sticker displayed. The officers stopped the vehicle in the alley, between 2nd and 3rd Sts., near Manatawny St. where the operator was identified as RONALD HEIMBACH (see Below).

As HEIMBACH exited his vehicle, the officers noticed and removed a knife sticking out of his back pocket. The knife was seized after it was determined that it was spring loaded, a prohibited offensive weapon.

HEIMBACH granted the officers consent to search the vehicle. During the search the officers recovered and seized more than two-hundred (200) bags of suspected cocaine with a total weight in excess of five (5) ounces. Additionally the officers recovered and seized numerous drug paraphernalia items including: several scales, numerous empty plastic bags, and syringes.

HEIMBACH was placed under arrest at which time he was found to be in possession of a bag of suspected cocaine. In addition to the previously noted seized items, the cocaine and more than $500 were seized from HEIMBACH's possession.

During their investigation, the officers were able to identify three (3) other subjects who will be charged in the near future, in addition to HEIMBACH, regarding this seizure.

Chief Flanders commended both officers and indicated that "this arrest is another example of the professionalism and quality of work being performed by the members of this Department."

RONALD HEIMBACH (Age 48)

262 Manatawny St. (2nd Flr.) Pottstown, PA

Drug Act Violations - Possession, Possession With the Intent to Deliver, and Paraphernalia, Criminal Conspiracy, Prohibited Offensive Weapon, Driving While Operating Privilege is Suspended - DUI Related