Hekko Hauls in Heroin for Dandridge Police Department

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Sunday, August 21, 2016, the Dandridge Police seized a large amount of Heroin along with Cocaine, Marijuana, Methadone, and paraphernalia. The bust came as result of a routine stop by officers Hanshew and Schultz of the Danridge Police Department. According to Hanshew, the suspect was at the Pilot Gas Station at 417 Exit of I-40 acting intoxicated. The suspect was Vincent Dottavio of Woodlow, Vermont, traveling through via interstate. Dottavio refused a search of his 2004 Dodge Ram, causing officers to call upon Tim Herzog and K-9 Officer Hekko of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department for assistance with the stop. Hekko, a Belgian Malinois drug dog officer, alerted on the vehicle, resulting in seizure of the contraband. Chief of Police, Carson Williams said, “I am proud of the excellent work by these officers and for their alertness during the stop.” The 29-year-old Dottavio was charged with 2 counts of Schedule 2 Narcotics, 1 count of Possession of Schedule 1 Narcotics, 1 count of Possession of Schedule 6 Narcotics, all with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was soon after released on bond.