PLAIN CITY, Ohio -- Big-city crime had invaded a small local community.
NBC 4's Paul Stelzer GOT ANSWERS about one town's growing drug problem.
Plain City police said the use of heroin is on the rise, and they're concerned about the dangers that go with heroin abuse and addiction.
Three people were arrested for felony heroin abuse during 2008: Jennifer Bittinger was arrested in April, Michael Holden was arrested in August and Timothy Hite was arrested two weeks ago.
While three cases might not sound like a lot, Plain City Police Chief James P. Hill said there have been recent years without any heroin cases in his town.
Hill said heroin is a cheaper drug to get and the needles used pose a health threat to both the public and his officers.
"When the officer patted them down, they had hypodermic needles in their pockets, which posed a serious health risk for my officer," Hill said about one of the arrests.
cill says
Heroin abuse possibly can lead to more violent crimes such as robbery, as users try to get more money to get the next fix, Hill said. There are severe withdrawal symptoms that come when someone stops using heroin.
Hill asked the community to help his department fight the growing heroin problem.
"We try to receive as much intelligence as we can. The community is our ears for anything that's going on. They're our voice. They give us what we need to know. They make us aware of a situation," Hill said.
If you suspect drug abuse or dealing in your area of Plain City, call PCPD at 614-873-4321.
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