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Police: Man had 74 grams of meth

CLEARFIELD – An Emporium man is facing charges for allegedly having over 70 grams of methamphetamine.

Justin Michael Austin, 29, was charged by state police with felony counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and flight to avoid apprehension, as well as misdemeanor counts of intentional possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after he was reportedly found passed out at the wheel of his vehicle at a convenience store in Houtzdale on Oct. 11.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police made contact with the driver, later identified as Austin, about 7:02 a.m.

Because the vehicle appeared suspicious, the trooper asked if he could search it. Austin said no, leading him to be detained until a K-9 unit could arrive.

Although Austin was advised not to get back into the car, he did, grabbing a backpack and sweatshirt before fleeing the scene.

After a foot pursuit, he and his things were recovered including a black box with a lock on it. At first Austin denied ownership of the box, but later he reportedly admitted it belonged to him and contained methamphetamine.

Austin gave consent to search the box, even giving the trooper the location of the key.

The box contained 74 grams of methamphetamine and various paraphernalia associated with the distribution of drugs, according to the report.

During centralized court Wednesday, Austin waived his right to a preliminary hearing, sending the charges on to Clearfield County Court.

He remains incarcerated on $50,000 bail.

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