On Monday, December 17, 2018 at about 4:00 pm Lakeport Police Officers conducted a vehicle stop in the parking lot of the Power Mart on Lakeport Blvd. During the initial stop an officer noticed the driver, identified as Jeremy Wayne Griffin 32, Kelseyville, appeared to be concealing something as he was reaching into the center console. Officers identified the passenger as Anita Louise Aney 52, Lakeport, and determined she was on searchable probation. Officers initiated a search of the passenger area of the vehicle and located a glass pipe, commonly used to ingest drugs, lying on the floorboard behind the passenger seat. A further search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber pistol lying under the driver’s seat within reach of the driver. Also located in the driver side door handle was a dollar bill containing a white crystal type substance believed to be methamphetamine. A records search revealed Jeremy Griffin was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm. Several rounds of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition, .223 rounds of ammunition and 30-06 rounds of ammunition were located in the trunk.
Based on the items located in the vehicle, both Jeremy Griffin and Anita Aney were placed under arrest. Officer Welter arrived on scene and began to assist with the search of the vehicle. Officer Welter located a small plastic bag, containing a white substance, believed to be methamphetamine, tucked under the center console area. As Officer Welter was removing the partially opened bag from the center console he notified a fellow officer that something wasn’t feeling right. Officer Welter stated his heart rate was high and leaned into the fellow officer who recognized that Officer Welter had been exposed to the unknown substance in the bag.
Officer Welter was placed on the ground and administered Narcan as it was believed he was possibly exposed to Fentanyl, a dangerous opioid that can be made illegally and used as a recreational drug. Officer Welter was immediately taken to Sutter Lakeside Hospital by Lakeport Fire personnel where he was treated for the exposure and later released.
Jeremy Griffin and Anita Aney were transported to the Hill Road Jail. Jeremy Griffin was booked for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon/addict, carrying a loaded firearm in public, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm, possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Anita Aney was booked for possession of drug paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance and violation of probation.
The investigation into the unknown substance is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Lakeport Police Department at 707-263-5491.
