HEBRON – A Columbus man is facing a felony after police say he threw suspected fentanyl out a car window as he attempted to flee police.

Jewel P. Gatlin, 29, of 1747 Rainbow Park, Columbus, was arrested Tuesday and charged with one count aggravated trafficking in drugs, a first-degree felony.

According to court records, Gatlin went to the Red Roof Inn Deluxe on Ohio 37 in Hebron Tuesday to deliver 4 ounces of fentanyl to a confidential informant. A criminal complaint noted the confidential informant was working with the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Upon arrival, police say Gatlin was operating a rental truck when he saw sheriff’s office cruisers and decided to flee, damaging two police vehicles.

Gatlin allegedly fled at a high rate of speed through a field to avoid police, throwing the suspected fentanyl out the truck’s window. Police said Gatlin drove into a creek, which disabled his truck and prompted him to flee on foot.

According to CODE Task Force Commander Lt. Paul Cortright, four ounces of fentanyl would cost around $6,000 to $7,000. The suspected drugs are being tested in Licking County’s new drug lab.

More: Licking County officials expect local drug lab to begin operating mid-March

During a bond hearing Wednesday afternoon, Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Darren Burgess recommended Gatlin’s bond to be set at $1 million.

Gatlin asked Magistrate Mattie Klein to consider his children at home.

Klein set bond at $500,000.

According to Franklin County court records, Gatlin pleaded guilty to a felony drug possession charge from 2014. Two years prior, Gatlin was charged with improper handling of a firearm, a fourth-degree felony, and possession of drugs, a third-degree felony. Court records indicate he pleaded guilty to both charges in 2015.

If convicted, Gatlin faces up to 11 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine. A grand jury will review the case for possible indictment and possible additional charges.

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