I-90 crash leads to large drug bust

WALLACE — Normally, a couple getting into a crash while on a trip to deliver presents would be considered a holiday tragedy. When those presents are massive amounts of drugs though, it's a bit different.

Shoshone County Sheriff's Office Lt. Jeff Lee states that two Washington residents are in custody following an Interstate 90 crash on Saturday.

Around 10:50 a.m., SCSO dispatch was notified of a two-vehicle crash on eastbound I-90 near milepost 60 (Silverton). One of the vehicles involved, a blue Honda Civic from Washington, quickly drove away from the scene heading east after being struck on the rear driver side by a Chevrolet pickup 1500. Crews from Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 responded to the crash and no injuries were reported.

A witness to this crash then followed the Honda to Wallace, where it came to a stop in the Wallace Inn parking lot. SCSO deputy Jacob End quickly responded and made contact with two subjects in the vehicle, identified as Jacob Levi Boon, 34, and Jennifer Rose Robinson, 39, both of Grapeview, Wash. The individuals claimed that they were on their way to Montana to deliver presents.

With the help of Cpl. Darius Dustin and his drug detection K-9, Midnight, the deputies discovered large amounts of various illegal substances and then arrested both subjects. Some items seized included 7.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 2.1 ounces of heroin, 7 grams of oxycodone pills and less than three ounces of marijuana.

According to jail bookings, Boon is currently facing charges of use or possession of a schedule II controlled substance, drug trafficking in methamphetamine, drug trafficking in heroin, possession of less than three ounces of marijuana, and use or possession of controlled substance paraphernalia with intent to use. Robinson is also facing charges of use or possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of heroin, and use or possession of controlled substance paraphernalia with intent to use.

Troopers with Idaho State Police have taken over the initial crash investigation.

Lt. Lee stressed that this is the largest amount of heroin he's ever seen seized in the Silver Valley during his time here.

He also stated that SCSO is incredibly thankful to the witness who called in the incident and followed the Honda to Wallace.

"That's one thing people forget — we can't do our job without the help of the citizens," he said. "Drugs aren't just a law enforcement issue, it's a community issue. The only way we can fight drugs in our community is by working together. Thank you to the courageous witness!"