Three arrested after search warrant nets drugs

COLUMBIA — Three people were arrested Wednesday night when Columbia police found drugs during a search at an apartment on Northland Drive.

Eric Pearson, 26, Ashley N. Holmes, 22, and Barry A. Lee, 22, all of Columbia, were arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

Police served a search warrant at 2921 Northland Drive, Apt. A around 9 p.m. Wednesday and once inside, found about four ounces of marijuana, a half-gram of crack cocaine and digital scales, Columbia police Sgt. Brian Richenberger said in a news release. An adult male, an adult woman and two juveniles were in the apartment at the time of the search.

Another adult male was hiding in a neighbor’s apartment during the search, according to the release. When officers learned of this, they got permission to enter the neighbor’s apartment and took the male into custody.

The three suspects were being held Thursday at the Boone County Jail. Pearson, who faced an additional charge of possession of crack cocaine, was held on $29,500 bond.

Lee, who was also picked up on a warrant for second-degree domestic assault and misdemeanor traffic offenses, was held at $16,175 bond. Bond for Holmes was not set Thursday evening.