For Immediate Release No # 9
Date: 8/26/2026 Contact: Lt. Ryan Grimshaw
(419) 755-9677 Fax: (419) 522-7546
Subject: Drug Seizure
On August 25th, the METRICH Enforcement Unit, with assistance from the Richland County
Sheriff’s Office, conducted a traffic enforcement operation involving two vehicles suspected of
transporting large quantities of cocaine.
The driver of one vehicle, Lamar Johnson, stopped and was questioned by investigators. The
second vehicle, driven by Rashad Keith, fled from deputies, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. Keith
eventually stopped and was taken into custody. An adult female and a young child were also
inside the vehicle.
During the pursuit, approximately two kilograms of cocaine were thrown from the vehicle and
later recovered by law enforcement along the pursuit route.
Keith was arrested and charged with Failure to Comply, Felony Child Endangering, and
Trafficking in Cocaine. Through the investigation, investigators determined that Johnson was
also involved in the trafficking of the cocaine. Johnson was subsequently arrested and charged
with Complicty to Trafficking in Cocaine.
This enforcement initiative demonstrates the continued commitment of the METRICH
Enforcement Unit and its law enforcement partners to disrupting drug trafficking organizations
and improving public safety throughout Richland County.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. All individuals charged
are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The METRICH Enforcement Unit will continue to target those responsible for bringing and
distributing illegal drugs within our communities and encourages citizens to report suspected
drug activity.
