On March 28, 2022 at approximately 9:40 AM Sugarcreek Borough Police responded to a reported multi-vehicle accident in the 2300 block of Rocky Grove Ave., in the Borough of Sugarcreek. Upon arrival officers were able to identify three vehicles involved. The drivers of Unit 2 and 3 identified the operator of unit 1 having crossed into their lane of travel causing them to avoid him and strike each other. The driver of unit 1 confirmed these statements.
The driver of unit 1 was identified as Paul Deal, 39 of Franklin. Deal was noted to be manifestly under the influence of controlled substance(s) and was summarily taken into custody for DUI. Deal was in the back of the patrol vehicle. When officers completed the accident investigation officers checked on Deal to verify he was okay.
The vehicle driven by Deal was taken to station until a search warrant could be granted. Once search warrant was obtained officers were able to recover multiple firearms, ammunition, digital scales, and a large quantity of items used in the distribution and sale of controlled substances.
It was later discovered that Deal, upon learning officers were responding, consumed a large quantity of controlled substances in an effort to avoid charges.
Deal was arraigned before Magistrate Lowrey on April 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM on the following charges.
Possession of Firearm Prohibited – Felony 2 (2 counts)
Firearms not to be Carried Without a License – Felony 3 (2 counts)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Controlled Substances – Felony (1 count)
Driving Under the Influence (3rd Offense) – Felony 3 (1 count)
Prohibited Offensive Weapons – Misd (1 count)
Tampering with Evidence – Misd (1 count)
Driving while DUI Suspended (greater than 3rd offense) – Misd (1 count)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Misd (1 count)
Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic – Summary (1 count)
Lowrey set Deal’s bail at $50,000. Unable to post bail, Paul Deal was placed into the Venango County Jail.
Deal’s preliminary hearing is set for April 6, 2022 at 1:30 PM