No Headlights Leads to Rochester Fentanyl Pill, Gun Bust

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A southeast Rochester traffic stop led to the discovery of dozens of grams of suspect fentanyl pills and a handgun Monday morning. 

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Rochester Police Captain Casey Moilanen said an officer traveling south of 3rd Ave. Southeast passed a northbound vehicle without headlights on at around 12:45 a.m. The officer turned around and pulled the vehicle over in the 100 block of 4th St. Southeast. 

Upon making contact the officer noticed a strong odor of marijuana. A passenger in the vehicle, identified as 22-year-old Leontan Troy of Rochester, was seen with marijuana on his lap and later told the officer he was rolling a joint, Moilanen said. 

Police ordered Troy out of the vehicle and saw what appeared to be a firearm tucked into a fanny pack around his waist. Officers unzipped the fanny pack and confirmed there was a 9mm handgun inside of it, the police report says. 

Upon being told he was under arrest, Troy wrestled away from officers and tried to flee the scene on foot but was chased down and apprehended after taking a small amount of steps, Moilanen said. Officers then brought Troy to the Olmsted County Jail and found several M30 pills that are suspected of being laced with fentanyl in the back of the squad car. 

While being booked, Troy admitted to having more of the pills on him, leading officers to discover 73 grams of suspected fentanyl pills scattered throughout his clothing, according to the report. 

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Moilanen says Troy could face charges of first and fifth-degree drug possession, introducing contraband into a jail, possession of a pistol without a permit and obstruction of the legal process.  He’s awaiting arraignment in Olmsted County Court. 

A woman driving the vehicle stopped by police was released from the scene after being given a warning for driving without a license.