A New Franklin man accused of jumping from an Akron bridge to escape police who were about to discover 24 pounds of cocaine in his vehicle was charged Wednesday with having 55 more pounds at his home.
Jerry J. Davis Jr., 35, faces federal charges of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Akron Police Chief James Nice said it’s likely Davis was getting his drugs from international cartels. The sheer amount of drugs is the biggest tip-off, the chief explained.
“Whether there’s a step at some hub city or he was getting it right from the cartels, that’s something we’re still looking into,” he said.
Nice said police also are investigating who else was involved locally in the drug ring.
The search of Davis’ home occurred later the same day as his arrest Nov. 1. An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper reported he attempted to stop Davis for a traffic violation — but Davis instead led the trooper and Akron police on a short chase until he crashed into a utility pole and a parked vehicle at Lake and Old Main streets near Akron’s Summit Lake neighborhood.
Authorities said Davis then exited his vehicle, ran northeast a quarter-mile and leapt from a 30-foot bridge near East Miller Avenue and Broadway to the train tracks below. He received minor injuries from the fall, and police apprehended him nearby.
Police searched his vehicle and discovered 11 kilograms of cocaine and a loaded Glock .40-caliber handgun, which police accused him of carrying to protect his stash of drugs. Davis is barred from having guns due to previous felony convictions, including for sexual battery and heroin possession, according to court documents.
Police obtained a warrant to search Davis’ home that day. There, they reportedly discovered 25 more kilograms of cocaine, more guns, ammunition and over $67,000 in cash. Authorities revealed the results of the warrant on Wednesday, shortly after he was indicted.
A kilo of cocaine is powder packaged to about the size of a textbook. It’s too much for a single person to use, so police often suspect people of trafficking if they’re in possession of that much.
Authorities said they were pleased so much cocaine was off the streets.
“The seizure of 36 kilograms is significant and is an indication that cocaine abuse continues to plague society,” Timothy Plancon, special agent in charge of Drug Enforcement Administration’s Detroit office, which oversees Ohio, said in a news release. “Halting the activities of a large-scale, gun-toting, cocaine trafficker is a victory for the citizens of Akron and the surrounding communities, and was achieved thanks to the significant communication and cooperation of all of the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies involved.”
U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon and the police chief agreed.
“This investigation is a great example of law enforcement working together to get drugs and guns off the streets,” Rendon said.
“Our working relationships with our state, local and federal partners continue to benefit the city of Akron in successes such as this,” Nice said.
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGluntABJ and on Facebook @JournoNickGlunt .