An Oberlin man is facing federal charges after police found narcotics and multiple weapons inside his vehicle.
Jeremy Leblanc is facing multiple charges stemming from a search of his vehicle late Saturday night in the parking lot of a local restaurant.
Police Chief Jimmy Broussard said police had initially responded to a male who had overdose inside the vehicle. Also in the vehicle were Leblanc’s wife and four children, ages 12, 10, 2 and one month.
As police began searching the vehicle, Leblanc’s wife reportedly told officers that there were narcotics and loaded firearms in the vehicle. Police reportedly found cocaine and fentany in the cupholder of the front of the can.
In the backseat, officers found two handguns on the floor and the 10-year-old boy holding a loaded and live (safety off) AK-47 seated next to his siblings.
Broussard said officers attempted to safely remove the weapon from the child’s possession but the boy refused to willingly hand it over and a struggle ensued.
Broussard said officers spoke “calmly” with the child and “tried to gain his trust”and were eventually able to coax the rifle away from him.
Leblanc, who was administered Narcan during his overdose and is now in stable condition, was charged with four counts of illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile, three counts of possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances and two counts of possession of Schedule II narcotics.
The children were taken to a local hospital, according to Broussard, who added that he expects child services will be called to take custody of them.
