Seized drugs and paraphernalia from Findlay drug bust, seized in police raid by enforcement unit.

2025 Findlay, Ohio Detailed Summaries of Reported Drug Busts – The Fostoria Free Press

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Detailed Summaries of Reported Drug Busts in Findlay, Ohio (2025)

February 2025: Parkwood Drive Drug Bust

The Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force, along with the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team and Hancock County Special Response Team, executed search warrants at two residences on Parkwood Drive. Authorities seized 26 Suboxone strips, over 300 prescription pills, stolen credit cards, $490 in cash, two guns, and drug paraphernalia. One man was arrested, with charges expected against a 22-year-old and a 36-year-old for possession and permitting drug abuse.

Sources:

 

March 2025: Cherry Street Liquid Cocaine Seizure

Early on March 5, the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force raided a home in the 200 block of Cherry Street, arresting 34-year-old Porshia Frisbie on a drug trafficking charge. Authorities seized nearly 100 grams (96 grams reported) of liquid cocaine in vials, cash, and items indicative of drug trafficking. Additional possession and trafficking charges were anticipated.

Sources:

April 2025: Lester Avenue Meth and Cocaine Bust

On April 11, three individuals—Brianne Settlemire, Jeremiah Meeks, and Shela Long—were arrested after a narcotics search warrant at a Lester Avenue home. The raid uncovered suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Additional trafficking and possession charges were expected.

Sources:

August 2025: Multi-Agency Major Bust (Including Rector Avenue Fentanyl)

  • Early August (Rector Avenue): On August 6, a search warrant on Rector Avenue led to one arrest and the seizure of 265 suspected pressed fentanyl pills, two firearms (one stolen from Findlay), and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
  • Late August Multi-Location Raid: On August 20-21, a multi-agency operation involving the FBI seized hundreds of grams of cocaine, ketamine, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, LSD tablets, over 250 suspected fentanyl pills, firearms (including stolen ones), and trafficking evidence from multiple sites.

Sources:

October 2025: Major Vapor Vape Shop and Controlled Deliveries

  • October 7-8 (Major Vapor): Following complaints of illegal marijuana sales to adults and juveniles, a search warrant at Major Vapor vape shop yielded suspected marijuana products, vapes, THC and psilocybin edibles, a handgun, and cash. Trafficking and possession charges pending.
  • October 28-30 Controlled Deliveries: Assisted by the FBI, three controlled reverse deliveries stemmed from a multi-kilogram cocaine seizure investigation, leading to five arrests of Findlay buyers.

Sources:

November 2025: Shinkle Street Cocaine and Firearms Seizure

Following complaints and a traffic stop on October 19 yielding 8 grams of cocaine, a scale, and a loaded Glock, a November 4-6 search warrant at 108 Shinkle Street led to the arrest of 20-year-old Chance Musgrave on charges including possession, concealed weapons, and trafficking. Ongoing surveillance noted heavy traffic linked to prior drug/firearm cases.

Sources:

Colorful downtown Fostoria street with historic architecture and blooming floral displays, showcasing local community charm.

Small Town Findlay: A Higher Chance of Getting Robbed Compared to Fostoria

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Small Town Findlay, Ohio – home to around 40,000 residents – embodies classic small-town living in northwest Ohio. Far from the hustle of big cities like Columbus (over 900,000 people) or Cleveland (around 370,000), Findlay offers quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and a relaxed pace without skyscrapers, gridlock traffic, or overwhelming urban crowds.

Drug-related issues exist, as in many communities—the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force made several busts in 2024-2025, seizing methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and more—but these remain targeted enforcement efforts rather than widespread daily concerns.

Property Crime (Theft, Burglary, etc.)

  • Findlay: ~17 per 1,000
  • Fostoria: ~12 per 1,000 in recent reports

Property crime is the bulk in both towns—Findlay has more volume due to larger size/commercial areas, but per-person rates are similar or slightly higher in Fostoria.

Drug Crime

Both towns see regular busts via METRICH Task Force:

  • Findlay — Frequent seizures (meth, fentanyl, cocaine in 2024-2025 raids).
  • Fostoria — Similar targeted operations.

 

 

A diverse group of Americans at a parade with a "Flag City USA" sign, showcasing local pride and community spirit.

Findlay People Who Think They Are Better Than Everyone Else, Including Fostorians

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December 22, 2025

Have you ever overheard someone at Applebee’s bragging about how much better life is just because they live in Findlay? You know the type—loudly proclaiming that Findlay is superior to surrounding towns, especially looking down on folks from Fostoria. It’s a classic case of small-town superiority complex, where some residents act like their zip code makes them elite. (Similar to little man syndrome.)

Let’s be real: Findlay isn’t some upscale enclave. It’s a solid Midwest city with a population around 40,000, home to the University of Findlay, Marathon Petroleum headquarters, and plenty of manufacturing jobs. But wealthy? Not exactly. Recent U.S. Census data shows Findlay’s median household income hovering around $57,000–$58,000 annually. That’s decent for northwest Ohio, but it’s below the state median of about $69,000 and well under national averages for truly affluent areas.

Compare that to nearby Fostoria, a smaller town of about 13,000 people just 20 minutes away. Fostoria’s median household income is roughly $52,000–$53,000—slightly lower, sure, but not a massive gap that justifies any holier-than-thou attitudes. Both towns are working-class communities dealing with similar Rust Belt realities: factories, farms, and family-oriented living.

So where does this perceived snobbery come from? Maybe it’s the bigger shopping options in Findlay, like more chain restaurants or the flagship status in Hancock County. Perhaps it’s the corporate presence giving a boost to local economy. Or it could just be that bubble effect—some people rarely venture beyond their city limits and assume their hometown is the pinnacle of civilization.

The truth is, to really understand how ordinary Findlay is, you have to leave it occasionally. Drive to Toledo, Columbus, or even Cleveland, and you’ll see real urban amenities and higher-income suburbs. Findlay (and Fostoria) are great places to live—affordable housing, low crime relative to big cities, community events, and that classic Ohio friendliness (most of the time). But neither is a luxury destination warranting elitism.

At the end of the day, we’re all northwest Ohioans sharing the same highways, weather, and high school football rivalries. Looking down on neighbors from the next town over? That’s just unnecessary. Let’s celebrate what makes our region strong without the unnecessary one-upmanship.

What do you think—have you encountered this Findlay attitude? Or is it all in good fun? Sound off in the comments.

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau and recent demographic reports as of 2023–2025. Opinions expressed are observational and meant to spark friendly discussion.

Tags: #FindlayOhio #Fostoria #SmallTownLife #OhioHumor #NorthwestOhio

Community in Turmoil, ODOT Spells Findlay Wrong on Interstate 75 Overpass

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UPDATED: 11/16/25 1:30am

FINDLAY According to a statement by Findlay Mayor Muryn, ODOT spelled Findlay “FINDLEY” on a corp limit sign near 99/i75. Community members on Facebook have been posting other photoshopped images. The ONLY way to know the truth is to go there to open your eyes.

Findlay Woman Seeks Legal Council For Arrest After Constitutional Audit Backfires

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July 27, 2025 — Findlay, OH

A recent incident in Findlay has sparked debate about citizen interactions with law enforcement and the growing trend of “constitutional audits.” Haydee Sadler, a former mayoral candidate and vocal citizen journalist, was arrested last week following a parking dispute in downtown Findlay, Ohio. Sadler now says she will seek legal counsel, claiming her rights were violated and the arrest was politically motivated.

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports, the confrontation began when Sadler received a parking ticket. When asked by an officer to present her driver’s license, she refused, questioning the legality of the request. The situation escalated when the officer informed Sadler she would be arrested for criminal trespassing if she did not comply or leave the area. Sadler, continuing to film the interaction, allegedly resisted as the officer attempted to handcuff her. She was taken to the ground and detained amid vocal protest, shouting, “This is so horrible, guys.”

Video of the arrest—now circulating on social media—shows Sadler narrating the encounter and expressing outrage over her treatment. In a Facebook post dated July 24, Sadler wrote:

“For the record, I am seeking legal council after Mayor Muryn’s wrongful arrest and illegal prosecution… I was honestly there to ask questions as a Citizen Journalist… I was only in the parking lot for two minutes when the officer ran up on me and tackled me to the ground… There was no reason for a parking ticket to escalate in 1 minute and 17 seconds to a chokehold he held me in.”

Sadler claims she was targeted for her outspoken views and prior association with local nonprofit and religious groups. She also criticized the officer’s professionalism and alleges double standards in the handling of law enforcement interactions, comparing her arrest to separate incidents involving other community members.

Ohio Law: Stop and Identify Statutes

The incident has reignited public discussion about citizens’ rights regarding “stop and identify” laws in Ohio. Under Ohio Revised Code 2921.29, a person must disclose their name, address, and date of birth to a law enforcement officer only if the officer has reasonable suspicion that the person is committing, has committed, or is about to commit a criminal offense. Importantly, in the context of a parking violation, the legal obligation to present identification is less clear. While officers may request identification from the operator of a vehicle (ORC 4507.35 requires presenting a driver’s license “upon the demand of a peace officer”), the scope of this authority can be ambiguous when a vehicle is merely parked and the alleged violation is not a criminal infraction but rather a civil one.

However, refusing to comply with a lawful order—such as exiting a vehicle or leaving property—can escalate into criminal trespassing charges under ORC 2911.21, particularly if an individual remains on property after being asked to leave.

“Constitutional Audits” and Legal Misunderstandings

The incident is part of a larger nationwide trend in which so-called “constitutional auditors”—private individuals, often self-styled as citizen journalists—challenge police officers on video, invoking constitutional rights in everyday encounters. Legal experts caution that while recording in public spaces is generally protected, some auditors misinterpret statutory language or create confrontational scenarios to provoke and record dramatic law enforcement responses.

Law enforcement advocates argue that these staged confrontations can rapidly escalate otherwise routine situations and divert police resources. Others counter that public accountability and citizen oversight are critical, especially in light of recent national debates about policing.

Next Steps

Sadler is reportedly seeking legal counsel and has submitted requests for local police records and prior incident reports involving both herself and Officer Ciapowski, whom Sadler accuses of a pattern of aggressive conduct. Findlay city officials have not yet commented on the case.

As the controversy unfolds, community members are divided—some defending Sadler’s stance on civil rights, others expressing concern about the rising tension between police and self-proclaimed auditors.

The case is expected to reach the courts, where questions about the boundaries of citizen journalism, lawful police orders, and individual rights will likely be raised.

Relevant Ohio Statutes:

  • ORC 2921.29 (Failure to disclose personal information):
    Requires a person to provide their name, address, and date of birth if the officer “reasonably suspects” a criminal offense is involved, not for all parking violations.

  • ORC 2911.21 (Criminal Trespass):
    Prohibits a person from remaining on property after being notified by signage or lawful order to depart.

  • ORC 4507.35 (License to be carried and exhibited upon demand):
    Requires presentation of a driver’s license if operating a motor vehicle and requested by a peace officer.

Editor’s Note:
At the time of this writing, no major news outlets have independently verified details of the incident beyond citizen-recorded video and public postings. Legal outcomes may depend on the facts presented and local statutes interpreted in court. The story will be updated should new information become available.

For more on “stop and identify” laws in Ohio, see: ORC 2921.29 – Ohio Laws

 

POWER GRID NOTICE: NCE Warns of Forced Load Shedding & Urges Customers to Immediately Reduce Power Consumption

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ATTICA, OH | North Central Electric (NCE) is calling on its members to reduce electricity usage following a severe storm on June 18, 2025, that caused an AEP transmission issue affecting the cooperative’s service territory. The failure, outside NCE’s control, has impacted three of its 12 distribution substations, covering about one-third of the area. AEP has estimated a minimum two-day repair timeline as of 4:53 PM CDT today, June 19, 2025.
Currently, NCE is backfeeding power from other substations, but the cooperative has reached its maximum output, limiting its ability to adjust power distribution. With rising temperatures expected to increase demand, NCE is asking members to help stabilize the system by shedding load. Suggested actions include limiting air conditioner use, slightly raising thermostat settings, delaying the operation of large appliances like washers and dryers, and turning off unnecessary power sources. Members with home generators are encouraged to use them when possible.
Failure to reduce demand could force NCE to implement load shedding, a measure the cooperative aims to avoid. While backfeeding is a valuable feature of NCE’s system, it’s not designed for prolonged high-level use. NCE is collaborating with AEP to expedite repairs and restore full grid capacity, urging community support to benefit all members during this challenging period.

Findlay Police Arrest Suspect With 83g of Crack Cocaine

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FINDLAY On June 16, 2025, at approximately 11:55 PM, officers conducted a traffic stop near 1215 W. Main Cross St. (Bellstores) that led to a drug-related arrest. While observing suspicious activity near Senior Homes of Findlay, officers initiated a stop on a vehicle. An occupant fled into the store after being ordered to stop, leading to a pursuit and eventual custody for Obstructing Official Business.

A search revealed the suspect, identified as Darrell J. Williams (age 52), was in possession of 83.5 grams of crack cocaine and a moderate amount of currency. He has been incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center on charges of Possession of Drugs and Obstructing Official Business.

Current Status: Suspect in Custody

Contact: Lt. J. Morey #1319

Stay informed and stay safe, Findlay! #FindlayPD #CommunitySafety #CrimeUpdate

Release completed by Sgt. A. Rudnik #1848

 

Columbus, OH felon captured after multi-county pursuit | Hancock & Wyandot

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FINDLAY, Ohio (WTVG) – A Columbus man was taken into custody after allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit from Hancock County into Wyandot County.

On January 22 at approximately 1:30 p.m., deputies from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over a driver who had two active warrants. The driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit.

The chase proceeded southbound on Blanchard Avenue in Findlay, continuing onto State Route 37, then southbound on State Route 15 before merging onto U.S. 23.

Authorities reported that the driver eventually came to a stop about one mile north of State Highway 199 in Wyandot County. He exited the vehicle and surrendered to law enforcement without further incident.

The pursuit covered a distance of 28 miles over 20 minutes, reaching speeds as high as 115 mph.

The driver, identified as Chaz Holley of Columbus, was taken to the Hancock County Justice Center. He faces charges of Failure to Comply and Driving Under Suspension.

In addition to the current charges, Holley is being held on an outstanding warrant from Franklin County for multiple offenses, including Failure to Appear for Abduction, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Drugs, Having Weapons Under Disability, Improper Handling of a Firearm, Failure to Comply, and Receiving Stolen Property. He also has a separate warrant from the Columbus Police Department for Domestic Violence.

A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating Timothy Lemire’s 8 Years at Heavenly Pizza

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In every great business, there are individuals who elevate the experience beyond just a transaction—people who leave a lasting impact on their teams, customers, and the community. For Heavenly Pizza in Findlay, Ohio, Timothy Lemire has been that person for the past eight years. As we approach his final day this Saturday, it’s time to reflect on the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

Timothy’s role at Heavenly Pizza went far beyond the typical expectations of a manager. He poured his heart into hiring and mentoring staff, becoming a guiding light for younger team members and shaping them into confident professionals. His dedication to community outreach and inter-business networking extended Heavenly Pizza’s reach far beyond its walls, fostering relationships and opportunities that benefitted everyone involved.

But it’s Timothy’s character that has truly set him apart. His unwavering good spirit, charismatic attitude, and love for the Lord have been a source of inspiration for everyone around him. He approached every challenge with enthusiasm and grace, embodying a passion for serving others that has been nothing short of a blessing.

On a lighter note, Timothy’s willingness to bring humor and joy to the workplace—especially through his antics in videos—added a unique charm that will be deeply missed. It’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into those shoes with the same selfless commitment and playful spirit.

As we say goodbye to a remarkable leader, we encourage everyone to stop by Heavenly Pizza to celebrate Timothy’s incredible contributions. Share a laugh, a memory, or just express your gratitude for everything he’s done over the years.

Thank you, Timothy, for your passion, dedication, and kindness. Heavenly Pizza—and the Findlay community—has been blessed by your presence. We wish you all the best in your next adventure!

#HeavenlyPizzaFindlay #FindlayOhio #PizzaParty #ThankYouTimothy #PizzaLover #CommunityHero