WILMINGTON — Wilmington Police SWAT executed a search warrant shortly after midnight Wednesday, raiding a Columbus Street residence and charging its resident with two drug-related allegations and alleged child endangerment.
SWAT and detectives searched 121 Columbus St. and arrested 34-year-old Zachary Shoemaker for allegedly endangering children, permitting drug abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pending lab results and consultation with the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office, Shoemaker may also be charged with trafficking in heroin. Additionally, Wilmington Police Department Detective Scott Baker said a court order indicated the child shouldn’t have been in the home, so police are investigating that element as well.
Baker alleged Shoemaker “creat[ed] a substantial risk to the health or safety of a 5-year-old … by leaving heroin capsules out and about” as well as many items that had suspected heroin residue on them.
Baker also said that Shoemaker would have people come over to his house and do drugs there.
“It’s hard to tell” how much heroin was in the house, Baker said. “A lot of the caps were already used or ready for resale.”
The arrest and search conclude three weeks of investigation after several tips about the house were received.
“Zachary has been suspected of trafficking in heroin after several tips were received through the Wilmington Police crime tip line,” wrote Wilmington Police Chief Duane Weyand in a press release. “Wilmington Police conducted a three-week investigation which lead to the execution of the search warrant and arrest of Zachary Shoemaker.”
Baker said while every case is different, this investigation went quicker than some.
“Sometimes it takes a few months” to fully investigate a tip, Baker said. “Be patient. Every time someone calls it always helps.”
Police ask that if you see suspicious activity or drug-related activity, please call 937-382-TIPS.
Shoemaker is currently incarcerated at the Clinton County Jail.
Reach Nathan Kraatz at 937-382-2574, ext. 2510 or on Twitter @NathanKraatz.
