MEDIA RELEASE – Narcotics Arrest

February 3, 2023
Released by Maj. B. Henderson

PITTSBURG, KANSAS –

On Thursday afternoon, February 2, 2023, at approximately 2:55 PM, a law enforcement officer from the Pittsburg Police Department was conducting routine patrol around the area of the 1000 block of N. Broadway St., in Pittsburg. During this, the officer observed a white 2008 Dodge Ram pickup traveling westbound on 10th St. fail to stop for a red traffic light at the intersection of Broadway St. The officer subsequently initiated a traffic stop on the white Ram pickup in the west alleyway of the 800 block of N. Pine St.

Upon stopping, the driver of the Ram pickup, 25-year-old Quionte M. Tidwell, of Pittsburg, exited the vehicle and began to quickly walk away. The officer directed Mr. Tidwell to stop, to which Mr. Tidwell complied. Upon approach to the vehicle, the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from within the pickup. Mr. Tidwell and a passenger, 52-year-old Jose Flores-Velez, of Pittsburg, were detained while the officer searched the pickup. During the search, the officer located a loaded 9mm handgun, a bag containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine, a duffle bag containing a large amount of what is believed to be marijuana, a box containing several bags of white powdery substance believed to be cocaine, and a box containing 13 two-ounce containers of a yellow wax-like substance believed to be Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrate.

In total, the weight of the suspected marijuana is estimated at 4,777 grams, (approximately 10.5 pounds), the weight of the suspected cocaine is estimated at 162 grams (approximately 0.35 pounds), and the weight of the suspected THC concentrate is estimated at 26 ounces (approximately 1.6 pounds).

Both Mr. Tidwell and Mr. Flores-Velez were taken into custody, and the Ram pickup was towed from the scene. Mr. Flores-Velez was questioned at the police station regarding his involvement in this situation, and he was later released.

Mr. Tidwell was arrested for various drug related offenses and was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. Mr. Tidwell was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm, felony possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony possession of narcotics, felony possession of paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

Mr. Tidwell is being held without bond.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other incidents, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700, or at our tip line, 620-231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

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