MARTINSBURG, W.Va – After being contacted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for assistance in conducting an arrest last week, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team took two men into custody on drug and firearm charges.
Deputy Kolb of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department was contacted last Friday by ATF for help in arresting 29-year-old John R. Zajac of Parkville, MD who had contacted an ATF agent to trade narcotics for firearms. Zajac, who was wanted on narcotics and firearms charges in Pennsylvania in addition to having multiple prior felony convictions, arranged a location to meet with the agent.
When a vehicle occupied by Zajac and operated by 30-year-old Kevin L. Mangles of Dundalk, MD entered the back parking area of that location, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team took down the vehicle with assistance from K9 and patrol units.
Zajac was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine along with conspiracy to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a fugitive from justice. Mangles was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
Items seized during the arrest included a loaded 9mm handgun, approximately 502 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 30 grams of cocaine. Both men were taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
