COLLINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — A traffic stop led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of multiple types of narcotics in Henry County on June 11.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of AutoZone on Virginia Avenue in Collinsville on a vehicle being driven by Ronald Gene Edwards.

Deputies said they knew Edwards Jr. was operating on a revoked license with two additional occupants.

As deputies approached the stopped vehicle, they observed Edwards and the front seat passenger, Zachary James Denny, attempting to switch seats, crawling over each other in what authorities believe was an effort to avoid legal consequences.

A K-9 unit was deployed and gave a positive alert on the vehicle, according to authorities.

During a search, deputies said they recovered multiple bags of suspected fentanyl, meth, heroin, unidentified pills, a digital scale, and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution.

Field tests confirmed the presence of meth and fentanyl, according to the sheriff’s office.

When deputies informed Edwards he was under arrest, he fled the scene on foot while still in handcuffs.

He crossed Virginia Avenue before being apprehended a short time later.

The following charges have been filed:

• Edwards, who is being held without bond, is charged with possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and obstruction of justice for fleeing while under arrest.
• Denny, who has a secured bond of $3,500, is charged with possession of fentanyl and possession of controlled paraphernalia.
• Phillip Stephen Ray Thompson, who has a secured bond of $2,000, is charged with possession of methamphetamine.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office noted that additional charges may follow pending lab results from the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.