Man arrested after jumping into Colorado River ‘with bag full of drugs’, police say

Thomas Raymond Morgan, left, and Ashley Fay Nail. (Photo: Bullhead City Police Department)

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A 35-year-old man who jumped into the Colorado River with a bag full of drugs while fleeing police in Laughlin is in custody and authorities are searching for an accomplice.

Bullhead City police said Monday that Thomas Raymond Morgan was arrested Thursday, June 27, as part of an investigation that also involved the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Morgan faces new charges after a vacuum-sealed package containing approximately 1,000 counterfeit blue M-30 fentanyl pills was recovered from the river.

Morgan was arrested for illegally fleeing from police and will likely face additional charges. He also faces older drug charges and assault charges.

Detectives from the Bullhead City Police Department’s Mohave Area General Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET) were investigating Morgan and Ashley Fay Nail, 33, in connection with drug trafficking in the Bullhead City/Tri-State area. They had several arrest warrants out for them.

On June 27, the couple fled from Mohave County Sheriff’s officers who attempted to stop their vehicle at approximately 7 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., Bullhead City police officers spotted their vehicle and attempted to stop them, but the couple fled again. A chase through Bullhead City ensued, involving officers and an Arizona State Trooper. The suspects’ vehicle struck another vehicle at the intersection of Bullhead Parkway and Highway 95, but no injuries were reported.

Morgan and Nail continued driving, crossing the Laughlin Bridge and abandoning the vehicle in the 1400 block of Casino Drive in Laughlin. They fled on foot. Morgan ran away and jumped into the river before surrendering to officers.

A Bullhead City Police boat trooper and a dive team were dispatched to search the river for possible additional drugs or evidence.

Police are searching for Nail. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact the Bullhead City Police Department at (928) 763-1999.