Overdose Leads To Arrest Of Alleged Drug Dealer In Westmoreland Co.
GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- A heroin overdose in one Westmoreland County community helped police in another community to arrest a man who they say is a mid-level dealer.
The Greensburg and Jeannette police departments, as well as Westmoreland County detectives worked together on the case.
The young woman who overdosed recovered, and was able to tell police where she got the heroin.
Travis Sturchio, 19, of Greensburg, is facing drug and gun charges after a traffic stop Thursday night.
Police conducted surveillance outside Sturchio's apartment after the girl, who overdosed in another community, identified Sturchio as her alleged dealer.
"The city police, along with the state and county detectives initiated an investigation that resulted in a traffic stop where we recovered stolen firearms, [and] three bricks of heroin that was consistent with the overdose with the local department," an undercover Greensburg police officer said.
Police recovered three bricks of heroin. They also recovered more than $1,100 in cash, as well as a handgun that had been stolen from Mount Pleasant.
When police conducted the traffic stop on Grant Street, Sturchio's girlfriend and her approximately 3-year-old daughter were also in the car.
Sturchio tried to run, but was quickly apprehended by police.
"It's sad that they would involve… especially with a gun and you know a very dangerous drug," the undercover officer said. "We did recover heroin in the console of the car, which that little girl had access to."
The heroin that was recovered has a street value of about $1,500. Police call it a significant amount.
"It's like a mid-level dealer here in the city," said the undercover officer.
The arrest comes as Westmoreland County works to raise awareness of heroin and prescription drug addiction amount teenagers.
Earlier this month, local law enforcement agencies held a symposium at Hempfield High School.
"I hope it points out how readily available the drug is," the undercover officer added.
Sturchio is in jail unable to post $100,000 bond.
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