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An Atmore man was arrested and charged on drug and receiving stolen property charges Feb. 8, according to officials.

Atmore Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann said in a release that John Hovance III, 52, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, obstructing justice using a false identity, receiving stolen property I, possession of a forged instrument and possession of drug paraphernalia.

McMann said the arrest stems after APD officers were alerted to be on the lookout for a stolen vehicle that had been seen in the Freemanville area at approximately 6:25 p.m. on Thursday.

“Officers responded to the area and observed the vehicle on Freemanville Drive,” McMann said. “The officers stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver and only occupant (Hovance).”
McMann said upon making contact with Hovance, the officers requested his identity (ID).

“Hovance provided the officers with an out of state ID card with his image and a different name that proved to be a fake identification card,” McMann said. “The officers checked the temporary tag attached to the vehicle and discovered it belonged on a different vehicle. The VIN number of the vehicle was checked and it was confirmed to have been stolen from another jurisdiction. Hovance also had an outstanding arrest warrant through the Escambia County, Fla. Sheriff’s Office.”

McMann said while searching Hovance, an officer discovered a clear plastic baggie in his clothing containing 3 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine.
“While searching the vehicle, officers discovered 2.5 grams of a clear like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine,” he said. “Also discovered were two glass pipes with methamphetamine residue and torch lighters.”

McMann said Hovance was then transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.