News Release (June 30, 2017)
Major David Harper of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug task Force made a significant arrest of an upper level Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) drug trafficker in Madison County.
During the evening hours of Thursday, June 29, 2017, DTF investigators were conducting surveillance on Madison Metals, a suspected drug distribution hub located at 1591 SW State Road 14. At approximately 8:39 pm, Investigators witnessed a red Ford Ranger arrive at the location well after normal business hours had ended. A black male (later identified as Marlo Howard) exited the truck and entered the office area of the business. A short time later the same male returned to the truck and left. DTF Sergeant Bobby Boatwright followed the truck south on County Road 360 and attempted to conduct a traffic stop after witnessing Howard commit multiple traffic violations.
Howard refused to stop and began to actively flee at speeds in excess of 85 miles per hour. Sgt. Boatwright initiated pursuit and was soon assisted by Sgt. Jarrod Lauth. The pursuit continued South onto SR 14 then turned SW onto Mosley Hall Road. Howard still refused to stop and made several attempts to ram Sergeant Boatwright’s vehicle ultimately forcing Sergeant Boatwright to utilize a P.I.T. maneuver causing Howard to spin out ending the pursuit. Howard was sitting on a loaded 9mm handgun when he was removed from the truck and arrested. The Investigators located more than an ounce of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) from the driver side floor board.
Investigators discovered additional evidence that provided probable cause to apply for and secure a search warrant for the Madison Metals location under care and control of the primary target Travis Ryan Crosby. At approximately 12:22 am, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office S.E.R.T. team executed a search warrant at Madison Metals, 1591 SW SR 14, Madison, FL. Crosby was located inside the office area that also served as living quarters. Investigators located an amount of Crystal Methamphetamine along with a smoking pipe in Crosby’s pocket. During further search, Investigators located more than 10 additional ounces of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) valued at $28,000.00. Both Crosby and Howard are currently being held in the Madison County Jail with no bond.
“I personally commend the efforts of Drug Task Force Investigators Sergeant Bobby Boatwright and Sergeant Jarrod Lauth for their dedication to the citizens of Madison County and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation consumed numerous hours over an extended period of time and resulted in the arrest of one of the top level Methamphetamine traffickers in Madison and surrounding counties.” – Major David Harper
Arrested:
Marlo Howard
02/11/1981
Lamont, FL 32336
1. Trafficking in Methamphetamine
2. Use/Display/Carry Concealed Firearm during Felony
3. Flee/Attempt to Elude Law Enforcement
4. Aggravated Assault/Battery on Law Enforcement
5. Habitual Traffic Offender
Travis Ryan Crosby
04/17/1979
Madison, FL 32340
1. Trafficking in Methamphetamine
2. Use/Display/Carry Concealed Firearm during Felony
3. Abuse, Aggravated Abuse and Neglect of a Child
4. Possess/Use/Manufacture/Deliver/Methamphetamine
5. Transmission on Police/Fire Radio
