Lonoke County Sheriff deputies make a major crack bust, shutting down a drug house. The bust went down in the small community of Kerr, which is located in central Lonoke County, just off Highway 70.
It's an area, FOX16 first told you about a few months ago, when neighbors built a park, to help rid their community of crime and drugs. FOX16's Jennifer Akers took us back to Kerr, to show us how the deputies and residents are working together to combat the drug problem.
Deputies recovered about half of an ounce of crack, aside from the crack, marijuana, and paraphernalia, and a loaded rifle was also recovered. Lt. Jim Kulesa says with the help of state police, they moved in and made the bust.
"We executed a search warrant and located the resident, who was arrested," said Lt. Jim Kulesa.
Twenty eight year old Cedric Wetzel was arrested and charged with five felonies and one misdemeanor, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and maintaining a drug premise.
The home that deputies busted was located in the small, tight knit community of Kerr, where residents have been trying to take over from the drug dealers and murderers for some time.
Booker Martin has lived in Kerr for eighty years, he stayed because he loves it, that's why he rallied the community to fight back. Since there was nothing for the kids to do, residents raised money and the Martin Loop Fun Park was born, soon crime dramatically decreased.
"I want them to know they cannot come and operate in Kerr, the sheriff is watching them, every hour, every day,” said Booker Martin.
Residents say this won't be the last time, there's a crack bust in their community, but they are hoping this bust sends a message to future drug dealers.
Wetzel bonded out of jail within an hour after he was arrested, meeting his fifty thousand dollar bond. He's expected to face a judge August 1st for his arraignment.
