After a traffic stop reveals meth, fentanyl, firearms, and other items, three people are arrested.
(WNY News Now) Three people were arrested when Dunkirk Police made a major seizure of firearms and narcotics during a routine traffic stop on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Around 9:43 p.m., the event took place on Lamphere Street.Dunkirk Police Department photo
Officers found 71.1 grams of fentanyl, more than half a pound of methamphetamine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, narcotic pills, and unknown powders during the stop. A 9mm Beretta semi-automatic handgun and a loaded.22 revolver were also found; the Beretta was verified to have been taken from a home in Jamestown.
A significant quantity of cash, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia, such as scales and packing materials, were also recovered by the authorities.
Arrestees Identified and Charges Filed
The three residents, Dennis W. Topliffe (44, Portland, NY), Mark C. Baker 2nd (36, Tonawanda, NY), and Melinda J. Monroe (26, North East, PA), are charged with a number of felonies:
-
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree
(A-II Felony)
-
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree
(B Felony) -
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell
(B Felony)
-
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree
(Two Counts) (C Felony) -
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree
(E Felony) -
Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia
(Misdemeanor)
Baker, who is presently on supervised probation, is also charged with many traffic infractions and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.
Bail and Investigation Support
Following their arraignment, the three accused were remanded to Chautauqua County Jail on either a $20,000 bond or $10,000 cash bail. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office assisted Dunkirk Police with their investigation. The accused is deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, just like everyone else who is accused of a crime.