Drug raid leads to four arrests in Holmes County

Photo credit: Adobe Stock Images / Devin Reeson

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Investigators with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people Saturday for trafficking and selling fentanyl.

The Bonifay Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol Criminal Interdiction Unit and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the arrest.

On July 19, HCSO investigators arranged a purchase of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Michael Cotton at a Tom Thumb in Bonifay, a news release states.

Cotton and three other people encountered an unknown suspect and sold 2.3 grams of fentanyl, officials said. After the transaction was completed, the vehicle attempted to turn around when police surrounded it.

Officials said Jason Rudd, identified as the driver, put the car in reverse while trying to flee and collided with a patrol car. Cotton, who was in the passenger seat, got out and fled on foot back to Tom Thumb, officials wrote.

The FHP CIU released K9, chased Cotton and arrested him in the parking lot. During the escape, Cotton dropped a purse of money and a bag containing approximately 6 grams (approximately 25-30 fentanyl pills), according to investigators.

When the driver was searched, investigators found five grams of fentanyl. Investigators confirmed that there was a bag containing methamphetamine on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Two passengers in the back seat, identified as Samantha Kirkland and Ashley Clark.

All four people were arrested and charged.

Michael Cotton was charged with trafficking fentanyl, selling fentanyl, resisting law enforcement, unauthorized use of a communications device, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jason Rudd was charged with fentanyl trafficking, fentanyl sales and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Samantha Kirkland and Ashley Clark were charged with involvement in the sale of fentanyl.