Chillicothe, OH — On January 25, 2025, two individuals were arrested after officers recovered a stolen U-Haul truck and discovered drugs during a routine traffic stop.
The incident began around 8 p.m. when police were notified that a 15-foot U-Haul truck had been stolen from the 800 block of Madison Ave. The vehicle had been left parked outside a residence while the owner moved in. After hearing a loud noise, the owner discovered the truck was missing and immediately reported it.
Shortly afterward, Officer Ryan McCoy spotted a U-Haul matching the stolen vehicle’s description on Columbus Street. The truck was seen turning onto McArthur Gardens, where McCoy followed and requested backup. Upon stopping the vehicle, McCoy observed the driver, Michael Gabbert, and the passenger, Kayla Sanders, exiting the truck.
Both suspects were ordered to stop and get on the ground, and they complied. A search of Gabbert revealed a mixture of methamphetamine and cocaine, along with drug-related paraphernalia. A further search of the U-Haul uncovered a pink straw containing white residue.
Both Gabbert and Sanders were arrested. In addition to the drug charges, Sanders had an outstanding theft warrant. The stolen U-Haul was returned to its rightful owner, and all drug-related evidence was placed into evidence to be destroyed.
Gabbert was booked at the Ross County Jail on drug-related charges, while Sanders was also transported there and served with her theft warrant.
The investigation into the stolen vehicle and the drugs is ongoing.