Missing Endangered Teen Found In Asheboro After Christmas Eve Traffic Stop
ASHEBORO, N.C. – A Christmas Eve traffic stop in Asheboro took a turn after deputies uncovered drugs — and located a missing and endangered teenage girl — inside the vehicle.
According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle Wednesday on West Dixie Drive. The driver didn’t immediately comply, but eventually pulled over near the intersection of U.S. 64 and Park Street.
Investigators identified the driver as 35-year-old Toni Charles Koontz, who was found to be driving without a valid license. Deputies also noted Koontz appeared extremely nervous, prompting them to call in a K-9 unit.
That decision paid off.
The K-9 alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, and a search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine, heroin, and several items of drug paraphernalia, according to authorities.
Things escalated further when deputies discovered a juvenile female inside the vehicle. Officials say the teen initially gave false identifying information, but further investigation revealed she had been reported missing and classified as endangered. Court documents later confirmed the girl is 16 years old.
The teen was safely turned over to the Randolph County Department of Social Services.
Koontz was taken into custody and now faces a long list of charges, including felony drug offenses and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Authorities say he is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
