Cundiff’s 2011 Mitsubishi Galant was stopped for following too close and a license plate light violation. As troopers approached the vehicle, Cundiff fled and a short pursuit ensued, officials said.
During the pursuit, Cundiff was observed throwing a bag out of the window on Ohio 63 near New Garver Road and nearly sideswiped another motorist, according to police. A short time later,he voluntarily stopped and was taken into custody without incident.
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Trooper Justin VanMeter said he placed Cundiff under arrest, Mirandized him and place him in his cruiser. A witness contacted the patrol at the location near the crash. Another trooper responded to that location and found the black bag with the alleged meth and the insurance card to the vehicle Cundiff was driving, which did not belong to him.
Troopers say the bag was alleged to have contained 369 grams of methamphetamine. The meth seized was valued at $37,269, according to the patrol.
Judge Ronald Ruppert found probable cause that a felony may have been committed and bound Cundiff’s case to a Warren County grand jury for further consideration.
Cundiff was charged with possession and trafficking in a controlled substance, both first-degree felonies; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and failure to comply with law enforcement, a first-degree misdemeanor.
The public defender requested a recognizance or a lower cash bond but was denied due to the seriousness of the charges and Cundiff’s lengthy criminal record. Rupert continued Cundiff’s bond at $50,000 cash or surety.
If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine, according to the patrol.
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