Eureka County, Nevada – A late-night crash on a major Nevada highway unexpectedly led to the seizure of a massive quantity of methamphetamine and the arrest of a man wanted on a nationwide federal warrant. Authorities say the incident unfolded after a semi-truck was struck from behind along U.S. Route 80, triggering a chain of events that exposed a significant drug trafficking operation.
Incident Overview
The crash occurred on Saturday, January 31, along U.S. Route 80 near mile marker 263 in Eureka County, an area frequently traveled by commercial truckers and commuters moving between northeastern and central Nevada. What initially appeared to be a routine traffic accident quickly escalated into a major drug bust once deputies made contact with the driver of the other vehicle involved.
According to law enforcement officials, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) had rear-ended a semi-truck, prompting a response from the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office.
Timeline of Events
Deputies were dispatched to the crash scene at approximately 11:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers contacted the SUV’s driver, later identified as Wayne Harms, a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska.
As part of standard procedure, deputies conducted a records check on Harms. During this check, dispatch alerted officers that Harms was allegedly wanted on a nationwide warrant issued by the U.S. Marshals Service. The warrant was subsequently confirmed, and Harms was taken into custody at the scene.
Details from Law Enforcement
While continuing the crash investigation, deputies searched a backpack that Harms was carrying at the time of the incident. Inside, officers reportedly discovered a stun gun and a large quantity of illegal narcotics…