RUSSELL COUNTY SHERIFF

Deputies from the Russell County Office were dispatched at 5:22 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, to a report of a subject at the Russell Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound to his hand. Deputies responded and spoke with Richard Heaton, Russell.

During the investigation it was determined that Heaton was a felon and should not be in possession of a firearm, Russell County Sheriff John Fletcher said in a news release Monday morning. Heaton and his girlfriend, Cassidy Froelich, told deputies the wound was an accident that had happened in the county. Deputies allege Heaton was in possession of numerous firearms.

A later traffic stop at 10:43 p.m. Sunday of Froelich and Heaton led to the arrest of both subjects and a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle. During the search, numerous drugs and drug paraphernalia were located.

A search warrant for 435 W. 7th, Russell, was obtained. Officers from the sheriff’s department and the Russell Police Department executed the search warrant. During the search numerous drugs along with gun-related items were located.

Following that search, a search warrant was obtained for 441 ½ W. 7th, Russell. During the search a number of guns were located by law enforcement officers, including a stolen firearm and numerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Heaton was charged with convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, and interference with a law enforcement officer.

Froelich was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with a law enforcement officer.