A Russellville High School student became so sick after using a THC vape in September that he was taken to the hospital. By the next day, the investigation had led police to a home on West 14th Street, where they seized vapes, drugs and more than $1,200 in cash.
Now, a 19-year-old Russellville man is facing four criminal charges in connection with the investigation.
Reich C. Price was charged Oct. 30 with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The case began Sept. 16 when police and emergency responders were called to Russellville High School after a student became ill in class. According to court documents, the student was lethargic, had vomited and was slumped over his desk. He was taken to Saint Mary’s for further observation.
Police learned the student had used a THC vape shared by another student in a school bathroom.
That second student told investigators he had purchased vapes twice through Snapchat, where an account regularly advertised them for sale. He described meeting the seller in person to exchange money for the products.
The description and location of those meetings led investigators to Price.
But the identification wasn’t certain. When police showed the student a photo lineup, he selected Price but told investigators he was only 60% confident he had identified the seller.
On Sept. 17, officers with the Russellville Police Department and the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force searched a residence on West 14th Street. Inside, they found THC vapes, approximately 132 grams of a green leafy substance, a digital scale and $1,216 in cash.
Price was arrested at the residence.
The most serious charge, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver, is a Class C felony. The remaining three charges are misdemeanors.
Price’s bond was set at $3,500 cash.
