Ramona man arrested after drugs, firearms found during traffic stop
Apr 05, 2025
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RAMONA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, a Ramona man is facing multiple charges after authorities found illicit drugs and firearms during a traffic stop on Thursday.
T
he incident began just before noon when deputies from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation pulled over a gray Acura TSX for reckless driving on State Route 67.
The driver, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Matthew Pitonyak, was found to have a suspended driver's license and expired vehicle registration. Further investigation revealed Pitonyak was in possession of four Xanax pills, 25 grams of fentanyl and 1.43 grams of methamphetamine.
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A California Highway Patrol Drug Recognition Expert conducted an evaluation of Pitonyak, suspecting he was under the influence of narcotics. Due to the drugs found in his vehicle, the sheriff's detectives then obtained a search warrant for his residence.
During the search, authorities found more narcotics, including a bag of Xanax pills and two containers with suspected fentanyl. Authorities also found evidence suggesting narcotic sales, along with several firearms, including a handgun, two shotguns and numerous boxes of ammunition.
(Courtesy of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office)
Pitonyak was arrested and booked into the San Diego Central Jail, facing suspected charges related to drug possession, firearms and driving under the influence of a controlled substance. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to assess the full scope of the incident. ...read more read less