Four Great Bend men were arrested Monday evening in Lane County following a traffic stop. On Dec. 26, just before 9:30 p.m., Sgt. Orr with the Lane County Sheriff's Office observed a vehicle driving through the city of Dighton with its high beams activated. The vehicle failed to dim its lights as it passed the sergeant, and a traffic stop was initiated.
During the stop, Orr noticed the smell of marijuana coming from inside the truck. There was also a loaded rifle tucked in between the seats, within reach of all four occupants. Orr also recognized two of the occupants from a previous law enforcement contact that resulted in criminal charges earlier in the year. All four occupants were ordered to exit the truck.
Several of the occupants became argumentative and refused to comply with orders. A Use of Force incident occurred when Orr attempted to detain a passenger, identified as 39-year-old Zachariah Dittrick, in handcuffs. Orr and Dittrick sustained minor injuries during the incident. With additional deputies arriving to assist, the other three individuals were detained without further incident.
Further investigation inside the vehicle revealed several more firearms, various amounts of methamphetamine in various forms, marijuana, and identity documents belonging to two people unknown to any of the four occupants.
Dittrick was arrested and taken to the Scott County Jail on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, battery on a law enforcement officer, and interference with a law enforcement officer.
Shawn Lee Colton, 37, was arrested and transported to the Scott County Jail on charges of unlawful possession and distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of Weapons.
Clayton Lawrence Hines, 41, was arrested for criminal deprivation of property, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Jesse James Biggs, 40, was released on scene with charges being forwarded to the Lane County Attorney's Office for possession of marijuana.