On June 21, 2026, a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle commit a traffic violation.
After providing the vehicle’s license plate information to dispatch, it was determined that the license plate displayed on the vehicle was not assigned to it.
Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as John W. Howard, Sr., 58, of Graceville. During the stop, the deputy asked Howard whether there was anything illegal inside the vehicle. Howard advised deputies that there were two open alcoholic beverages in the center console cup holders. He also stated that his driver’s license was suspended.
Dispatch confirmed that Howard’s driver’s license was suspended and that he had active felony warrants out of Okaloosa County.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
John W. Howard, Sr. was arrested and charged with Felony Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Howard was transported to the Washington County Jail.
