Toledo, Ohio – A Detroit man has admitted in federal court that he assaulted a federal officer during an encounter that began as a traffic-related stop and quickly escalated into a serious criminal case involving drugs and violence. Damarko Amir Kimble, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty on April 2 to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.
The charges stem from an incident that took place on October 7, 2024, at a service plaza parking lot along the I-80/90 turnpike in Sandusky County. According to court documents, federal agents initially came into contact with Kimble after noticing that the rental vehicle he was driving had expired registration tags. What began as a routine encounter soon developed into a more serious investigation.
Search leads to drug discovery and violent confrontation
During the interaction, a K-9 officer assisting the agents alerted them to the possible presence of illegal substances inside the vehicle. Based on that alert, agents conducted a probable cause search of the car. Inside, they found a backpack placed on the rear floorboard. When they examined the contents, they discovered a plastic bag containing a substance that was later confirmed to be 577.7 grams of pure methamphetamine.
As agents moved to take Kimble into custody, the situation turned physical. According to court records, Kimble rushed toward one of the agents and knocked him off his feet, forcing him to the ground. The sudden attack created a brief but intense moment as Kimble attempted to escape. Despite the effort to flee, agents were able to quickly apprehend him and bring the situation under control.
The case is now moving toward sentencing. Kimble is scheduled to appear in court on July 14, when a federal district court judge will determine his punishment. The sentence will be based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines as well as other statutory factors considered by the court.
The investigation that led to Kimble’s indictment was carried out by the U.S. Border Patrol Sandusky Bay Station. Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio is handling the prosecution.
