FOCUS ON FENTANYL: Suspect arrested on drug charges after running from police

REDDING, Calif. — Late Sunday night, a Redding man was arrested after trying to run from an officer while in possession of multiple drugs, according to police.

According to the Redding Police Department, at around 11 p.m., an officer was patrolling Hilltop Drive when he found a previously-reported stolen vehicle and a suspicious man nearby.

The man, identified as Charles Smith, 34, of Redding, ran away when the officer tried to talk to him, the RPD said.

After a short chase, the officer was able to catch the suspect.

Smith was not charged with vehicle theft, but he was booked into Shasta County Jail on several drug-related charges after being found in possession of a small amount of meth and more than 45 grams of Fentanyl, police said.