Maryland Men Facing Felony Charges After Interstate 79 Traffic Stop Uncovers Narcotics in Harrison County

Tyrek Holmes and Omar Harding were charged with intent to distribute after a K,9 alert during an I,79 traffic stop in Harrison County, West Virginia.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WDTV News Staff

Interstate Narcotics Interdiction Leads to Dual Arrests

A proactive traffic stop on Interstate 79 culminated in the arrest of two Maryland men on Thursday morning as West Virginia authorities continue to monitor major transit corridors for illicit activity. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office initiated the stop, which quickly transitioned into a narcotics investigation. During the roadside interaction, a specialized K,9 unit, Jerry, was deployed to sweep the exterior of the vehicle. The canine provided a positive alert for the presence of controlled substances, giving deputies the legal probable cause required to conduct a comprehensive search of the interior.

Suspect Behavior and Physical Confrontation

The investigative process became volatile when one of the vehicle’s occupants allegedly resisted the efforts of the deputies. According to reports from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, 28 year old Tyrek Holmes of Baltimore became "combative" as the search of the vehicle commenced. This behavioral shift necessitated additional control measures from the officers on scene to ensure the safety of the law enforcement personnel and the surrounding public. Despite the friction during the roadside search, authorities were able to complete the inspection and secure the evidence found within the cabin.

Formal Charges and Suspect Identification

Following the conclusion of the search, both Holmes and his passenger, 25 year old Omar Harding of Hanover, Maryland, were taken into custody without further incident. The Harrison County Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged both individuals with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. This charge indicates that the quantity or packaging of the narcotics seized was consistent with distribution rather than personal use. Both men were processed into the regional jail system pending their initial appearances before a magistrate.