GIFFORD — People in the Gifford community clapped and thanked law enforcement officers after they arrested an alleged drug dealer Thursday evening around 41st Street and Old Dixie Highway, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Shawn Ausby, 41, of Gifford, was arrested on outstanding warrants for sale and possession of hydromorphone, and additional charges of trafficking in a controlled substance (hydromorphone), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, and driving with license suspended, according to the press release.
“Many citizens on 30th Avenue were clapping and thanking our detectives and SWAT team after the search warrant was executed,” said Det. Sgt. Anthony Civita.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement (M.A.C.E.) Unit executed a narcotics search warrant in the 4100 block of 30th Avenue, in Gifford, according to authorities.
As the Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team approached the residence, wanted subject Ausby left the area in a rental car. Detectives attempted to stop Ausby on 41st Street just west of Old Dixie Highway.
And, as detectives approached the vehicle, Ausby fled the traffic stop at a high rate of speed and crashed at the intersection of 41st Street and US 1. Ausby then fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by an Indian River County Sheriff’s Office K-9.
There were no reported injuries at the scene of the crash.
S.W.A.T. secured the residence without incident, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives located and seized 265 hydromorphone pills, seven grams of crack cocaine, 19 grams of marijuana, $1,360 in suspected drug money, a stolen 60-inch television, a 9mm gun magazine containing 10 bullets, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia including syringes and scales.
Ausby is still being held at the Indian River County Jail with a total bond of $141,000.
“…Our MACE unit is working closely with (detectives and investigators) in the Gifford area, and will continue to eradicate drug dealers as they come to our attention,” said Sheriff Deryl Loar.
