A routine dispatch concerning a suspicious vehicle late Tuesday night at the Summerville Housing Authority quickly escalated into a drug arrest, leading to the apprehension of Orville Wallin Jr. on drug possession charges.

Summerville Police responded to the rear parking lot of the Summerville Housing Authority at 215 Marvin Avenue around 11:01 p.m. on July 1st, after receiving a report of a truck strangely parked.

Upon arrival, an officer observed a white 2005 Toyota Tundra parked in the middle of the back lot, not in a designated parking space. Contact was made with the driver, identified as 57-year-old Orville Wallin Jr. According to the police report, Wallin appeared startled and nervous when officers announced their presence.

When questioned about his presence, Wallin stated he was waiting for his wife, who lived at the location. During the conversation, the officer noted Wallin exhibited signs consistent with narcotic impairment: mumbled, slow, and thick speech, bloodshot eyes, and enlarged pupils, which are often indicative of stimulant use, according to the officer’s training and experience. Wallin admitted to driving to the location.

After Wallin consented to a search of his person and vehicle, he initially denied possessing anything illegal. However, the report states the officer observed Wallin repeatedly glancing toward the truck, prompting a second inquiry. Wallin then admitted to having some marijuana in the ashtray.

During the subsequent search of the vehicle, the officer located a clear plastic baggy containing a white crystalline substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, in the center console. Further search of the ashtray yielded two burnt rolled-up cigarettes believed to contain marijuana.

Wallin was immediately placed under arrest for suspected drug possession. Officer Joshua Mitchell and Officer Ibzan Ramirez arrived on the scene to assist with the incident.

Wallin was transported to the Chattooga County Jail by Officer Mitchell without further incident. The vehicle was released to Wallin’s wife at his request. All seized evidence was secured at the Summerville Police Department.