A Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputy was only offering to help what appeared to a stranded motorist but ended up arresting her on multiple drug-related charges and two warrants.
Deputies said Tamara Watkins, 41, 1981 Derbyshire Court, North Vernon, was arrested at 11:04 p.m. Thursday on charges of:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of a legend drug injection device
- False informing
- Possession of a legend drug
- Possession of paraphernalia
- Two Bartholomew County warrants
Deputy Matt Bush saw Watkins’ vehicle in a parking lot at West Lewis Place and North U.S. 31, with the hood up and Watkins standing outside, deputies said.
He stopped next to the vehicle and offered assistance. Deputies said the female initially gave Bush a false name and appeared extremely nervous. She later told Bush that she had a warrant out for her arrest.
Bush confirmed there were two warrants, one for failure to appear for a conversion charge and a Jennings County warrant on a drug-related charge, deputies said.
Watkins’ license plate did not match the vehicle she was driving, and there were discrepancies on the title, deputies said. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found methamphetamine, syringes, a legend drug and drug paraphernalia, the sheriff’s department said.
Watkins is being held without bond in the Bartholomew County Jail, jail officials said.
