Youngstown woman faces numerous drug-related charges

Staff report

BOARDMAN

A Youngstown woman faces numerous charges after township police said they found her in possession of more than 30 syringes, suspected heroin, crack pipes and other drug paraphernalia.

The charges stem from an investigatory stop conducted about 12:15 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of a Market Street plaza. A patrol officer stopped after observing a woman “swaying back and forth” and unable to stand.

The woman, later identified as Amy Altman, 36, of Dignan Street, “could not keep her eyes open, was continually nodding off, and appeared to be under the influence of an opioid,” according to a police report.

Altman told the officer she had drugs and paraphernalia in her bra and purse, according to the report.

“Altman [while handcuffed] was able to retrieve a crack pipe and ... ‘pushrod,’ tweezers, and a burnt spoon with residual heroin, all of which were wrapped in toilet paper,” police said, also noting that an officer found a knife in her jacket.

Additionally, police found: 27 capped syringes, some used and six of which contained blood; four uncapped syringes; a capped syringe with suspected liquefied heroin; suspected heroin; a cloth bag containing two burnt spoons, a crack pipe, lighters and dozens of empty bindles; and a Visa card that police later found had been reported stolen.

Altman was arrested on charges of receiving stolen property, carrying concealed weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of drug-abuse instruments.

She also was arrested on a bench warrant out of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for indictment on drug-related charges.

After Altman arrived at the police station for booking, she reportedly “advised she had two more crack pipes in her bra and removed the items.”

She was taken to an area hospital, then to the Mahoning County jail. She is scheduled to appear in Mahoning County’s Area Court here today.