The Webster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a car crash that has led to the discovery of illegal narcotics and firearms in rural Webster County.

According to a press release from the department, deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover accident near the intersection of 170th Street and Madison Avenue, just north of Fort Dodge, on March 18.

When deputies arrived on scene, the driver had been freed from the vehicle with the help of bystanders and had fled on foot. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the driver of the vehicle on that day.

Deputies continued investigating and executed a search warrant on the vehicle, seizing a “large number of illegal narcotics, a loaded firearm, numerous firearm-related materials, U.S. currency and numerous other items” that indicated the driver was involved in illegal narcotics distribution while being armed, according to the Sheriff’s Office..

Further investigation found that the driver of the vehicle, who has not yet been named, is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

The investigation led to the execution of two search warrants by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Dodge Police Department Special Emergency Response Team on Tuesday morning. One residence was located within the city limits of Fort Dodge, while the other was in rural Webster County.

The SERT officers located and seized several firearms, suspected narcotics, electronic devices and other items believed to be related to the case.

Prior to the search warrants being executed, the registered owner of the vehicle reported it stolen to Webster County deputies, who learned through this investigation that it was a false report.

According to Sheriff Luke Fleener, no arrests have been made yet and no names will be released until criminal charges are filed.

The incident remains under investigation by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact law enforcement or Webster County Crime Stoppers by texting LEC to 274637.

The Webster County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Fort Dodge Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Dodge Fire Department.