Asheboro, North Carolina — A missing and endangered teenage girl was safely located during a traffic stop in Asheboro on Christmas Eve, leading to multiple felony drug charges against the vehicle’s driver, according to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
Traffic stop leads to unexpected discovery
Deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on West Dixie Drive on Wednesday evening after observing suspicious activity. Authorities said the driver initially failed to pull over, continuing until stopping near U.S. 64 and Park Street.
Investigators identified the driver as 35-year-old Toni Charles Koontz, who was found to be driving without a valid license. Deputies noted that Koontz appeared extremely nervous, prompting additional investigation at the scene.
K-9 alert and drug seizure
A K-9 unit was called to assist and alerted deputies to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Following a search, law enforcement seized:
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Multiple items of drug paraphernalia
Officials said the quantity and circumstances supported felony-level drug charges.
Missing juvenile found in the vehicle
During the stop, deputies also encountered a juvenile female passenger who initially provided false identification information. Further investigation revealed the girl had been reported as missing and endangered.
According to arrest documents, the girl is 16 years old. She was safely removed from the situation and placed in the care of the Randolph County Department of Social Services.
Charges filed against the driver
Koontz was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine
- Felony possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin
- Felony maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances
- Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor driving while license revoked
- Misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Authorities confirmed that Koontz is being held without bond.
Court appearance scheduled
Koontz is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday, where bond status and further legal proceedings will be addressed.
Ongoing safety concerns
The sheriff’s office emphasized that traffic stops can play a critical role in locating missing or endangered individuals and disrupting drug activity. Officials also encouraged community members to report suspicious behavior, noting that timely tips can help prevent further harm.
Conclusion
What began as a routine traffic stop on Christmas Eve resulted in the recovery of a missing teenage girl and the arrest of a driver now facing serious felony charges. Authorities say the case remains under investigation as the juvenile receives appropriate care and protection…