2 North Vernon men arrested after traffic stop yields drugs

CPD patrol car
A Dodge Charger police patrol car. From neighborhood spats, to seat-belt enforcement and criminal activity, the Columbus Police Department has been directed to be more proactive in its work with the public. The idea is to make a difference in the community before problems escalate, or even start. (Joe Harpring | The Republic)

NORTH VERNON — Jennings County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested two North Vernon men after a traffic stop when methamphetamine was found in their car, a report said.

Michael Bowling, 37, was arrested on charges of dealing in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and visiting or maintaining a common nuisance, said Lt. Mike Mowery, sheriff’s department spokesman.

Toby Marsh, 34, was arrested on charges of operating a vehicle while suspended with a prior conviction and visiting or maintaining a common nuisance, Mowery said.

The two were stopped at about 10:35 p.m. Saturday on Jennings County Road 500W near County Road 500N in Geneva Township, he said.

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The driver, Marsh, initially gave Jennings County deputy Drew Heilers a false name, Mowery said. Sgt. Allen Ritchie and K-9 Vampir were called and Vampir alerted deputies to narcotics in the vehicle and on Bowling, who was a passenger.

While searching the vehicle, deputies found digital scales and several small plastic baggies, Mowery said. Deputies also located about 26 grams of methamphetamine on Bowling, Mowery said.

Bowling is being held in the Jennings County Jail on $20,055 bond, jail officials said.

Marsh is being held at the jail on $1,055 bond, jail officials said.