(SECURITY-WIDEFIELD, Colo.) — Two people have been arrested and charged with narcotics possession after deputies pulled them over in a reportedly “high-crime” area of Security-Widefield.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, deputies were patrolling near Almont Avenue in Security-Widefield, an area that EPSO described as having “recently experienced high rates of criminal activity, including motor vehicle theft, known narcotics distribution, weapons violations, and numerous wanted individuals.”

While on patrol, deputies saw a maroon SUV heading north with its high beams on. The SUV stopped briefly in front of a home before quickly speeding off as law enforcement approached. Deputies pulled the car over near the intersection of Maribou Way and Bradley Road. The driver was identified as 65-year-old Walter Bivins, though the woman with him in the car initially refused to give her name to deputies.

EPSO said because the car was allegedly connected to a known “narcotics location,” deputies called for the assistance of a K9 unit. K9 officers with the Fountain Police Department responded and K9 Odin alerted during an open-air check of the SUV. Both Bivins and the woman were detained, and the passenger was eventually identified as 26-year-old Leola Santistevan, who had four active warrants for her arrest, EPSO said.

Walter Bivins. Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

Leola Santistevan. Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

A search of Walter Bivins revealed a clear baggie containing a white crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine, a separate baggie with a brown substance suspected to be heroin, and blue pills marked “M/30” believed to be fentanyl.

Santistevan admitted that she was in possession of approximately three fentanyl pills. A search of the SUV uncovered additional small baggies and a digital scale—commonly associated with narcotics distribution. Both Bivins and Santistevan were booked into the El Paso Couny Jail and issued summons for drug possession.

“I commend my Patrol deputies for their diligence and proactive policing in a high-crime area, which directly led to the seizure of dangerous narcotics and the apprehension of multiple offenders,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal.  “Their vigilance is a testament to the professionalism expected from my deputies. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Fountain Police Department and K9 Odin for their critical assistance during this operation.”