290 Pounds Of Pot Seized In 2 Traffic Stops: Police

Authorities in Wisconsin seized nearly 290 pounds of marijuana, in addition to drug paraphernalia, three firearms, and two stun guns after two police pursuits in the state.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, on Thursday, Jan. 18, agents and members of the Marathon County Special Investigations Unit requested assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol in stopping two vehicles suspected of transporting a large number of illegal drugs.

According to authorities, one suspect, later identified as Joel L. Helding of Tomahawk, Wis., was seen driving a GMC Yukon, when he fled west into Osseo. After a short pursuit police say Helding exited his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Troopers were able to subdue him without incident.

The second vehicle, a Subaru Forester, fled police east on Highway 10 and led officers on a 30-mile chase through Trempealeau, Jackson, Eau Claire, and Clark Counties. The woman driving the Subaru, later identified as Valerie A. Flores, 25, of Wausau, Wis., turned onto Highway B in Clark County where the State Patrol was able to perform a Pursuit Intervention Technique maneuver that forced her vehicle to stop.

Authorities say Flores was taken into custody without incident. Authorities searched both vehicles, at which point they found the marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and guns.

According to court records, Flores has been charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, two counts of possession of an electric weapon, carrying a concealed knife, possession with intent to deliver more than 10,000 grams of THC, and eluding an officer.

Court records state that Helding has been charged with possession with intent to deliver more than 10,000 grams of THC, two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon and eluding an officer.

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