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| Brian Antonio Hicks |
According to a Facebook post by the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, 36-year-old Joshua Allen O'Connor of Kincheloe, 36-year-old Brian Thomas Nielson of Kincheloe, and Brian Antonio Hicks of Inkster were arrested following several reports of drug overdoses in Chippewa County. One overdose killed a young Sault Ste. Marie man, according to police sources.
Trident detectives assisted the Sault Ste Marie Police Department in the investigation into the death.
As part of that investigation, detectives looked into a group of people believed to be selling methamphetamine and cocaine, which was thought to be mixed with fentanyl. A take-out restaurant in Kincheloe was allegedly the base of this operation, according to police.Detectives conducted three search warrants on Feb. 24 - for O'Connor, Neilson and Hicks. All three suspects were found at the restaurant in Kincheloe, which the Chippewa County Sheriff said was owned by one of the suspects.
Detectives found a large amount of cocaine and methamphetamine suspected to be laced with fentanyl. Detectives also found a loaded handgun and other evidence such as a digital scale, baggies, and U.S. Currency. Each of the men is charged with delivery of methamphetamine; delivery of cocaine; weapons, firearm possession by felon; weapons, possession; felony firearm; conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and conspiracy to deliver cocaine. O'Connor and Neilson are both fourth offense habitual offenders.
All three were lodged in the Chippewa County Correctional Facility and have been arraigned in Chippewa County's 91st District Court. Detectives are continuing the investigation into the overdose death and more arrests or charges are expected.
