On November 1, 2015 at approximately 1:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to 306 Spring Lane, in Kingsport in reference to a report of a strong odor of marijuana emanating from Apartment #5. The original complaint also included information to the effect that the resident was known to carry firearms. Upon arrival, the responding officer noticed the same odor as described by the complainant.
An initial knock at the door received no answer; however, after a few minutes, a white male suspect, later identified as Kristofer M. Orrick, exited the back door of the apartment. When the officer approached and inquired if Mr. Orrick resided at the apartment, he initially denied living there. Based upon the firearms tip, the officer asked him if he was in possession of a gun. In response, Mr. Orrick made a sudden aggressive movement with his right hand toward his right hip.
Fearful of being assaulted by a potential concealed weapon, the officer grabbed Mr. Orrick’s right hand and immediately observed a holster protruding out of the bottom of his hooded sweatshirt. The holster was found to contain a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol, for which he did not have a permit to carry. He was promptly disarmed and placed under arrest. He then admitted that the apartment in question was in fact his residence.
A further search of his person incident to arrest revealed several illegal items, including a small quantity of marijuana, a glass pipe, and a set of brass knuckles. He was also in possession of nearly $1,900 in cash. The officer asked Mr. Orrick for consent to search his apartment; however, he refused. Based upon substantial evidence that illegal drug activity was afoot, the outside of the residence was secured, and the K.P.D. Vice and Narcotics Unit was summoned to further investigate.
At approximately 6:30 AM, Vice Detectives returned to the residence with a search warrant. Upon execution of the search warrant, Detectives located approximately 22 pounds of marijuana, with a street value of nearly $200,000, inside the apartment. Some of the marijuana was individually packaged for resale. Detectives also located several pipes and bongs coated with what appeared to be burnt marijuana residue. Numerous loaded handguns and rifles were located inside the residence as well.
All of the drugs, weapons, contraband, and cash were confiscated. Mr. Orrick was charged with Possession of Over 10 Pounds of Marijuana for Resale; Maintaining a Dwelling Where Drugs are Sold, Stored, Manufactured, or Distributed; Possession of a Firearm While in Commission of a Dangerous Felony; and Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Kingsport City Jail for confinement; however, he was released on bail a few hours later after posting a $33,000 bond as set by the attending Magistrate. |