On September 4th, 2026, members of The Cambria County Drug Task Force were involved in a narcotics investigation as a result of an an-going investigation. On this date, investigators conducted a traffic stop on Hyundai SUV, along Scalp Avenue in Richland Township.

     The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 33 year old Ava Blackwell. During the traffic stop, information was developed that led to a request for the Cambria County Detectives Office and K9 Blitz.   K9 Blitz gave a positive alert for an indication of drugs within the vehicle. In addition, Blackwell was placed into custody due drug paraphernalia observed plain view.  A search warrant for the vehicle was approved by the Cambria County District Attorney's Office, which was subsequently signed by MDJ Brian Subich.

     As a result of the search warrant being executed, investigators most notably seized the following:

-(55) blue stamp bags of suspected fentanyl. Approximate street value of $825.

-(126) grams of suspected crack cocaine. Approximate street value of $12,600.

-Small amount of marijuana 

Blackwell is charged with (2) counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute, and (2) counts of Possession of a controlled substance. Blackwell was transported to Cambria County Jail and is awaiting arraignment.

 

This investigation was conducted with the cooperation of the Richland Township Police Department, Cambria Township Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Sheriff's Department, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Cambria County Detective's Office, the Cambria County District Attorney's Office/K9 Blitz, and PA Office of Attorney General BNI.