NORTH VERNON — North Vernon police arrested two people on drug-related charges involving methamphetamine after a traffic stop.
Officer Isaac Barkes saw a gray 1998 Jeep Cherokee at 6:44 p.m. Tuesday driven by Timothy L. Mullins, 45, Otisco, and attempted to stop it for a traffic violation, but Mullins did not stop, even though Barkes activated his emergency lights and siren.
Mullins continued driving for about three minutes before pulling into the State Street entrance of the Muscatatuck County Park and then stopping, where he was arrested, police said.
A female passenger, Chrystal D. Barger, 36, Otisco, was also arrested during the traffic stop, police said.
Mullins was found to have a suspended driver’s license and had an active arrest warrant issued through Clark County for failing to appear on charges of residential entry, intimidation and battery, police said.
Barkes discovered a glass smoking pipe in plain view in the center console of the vehicle, police said. When searching the vehicle, officers also found a handgun, and determined that Mullins didn’t have a concealed carry permit and was also a convicted felon, police said.
Officers also found 11.8 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine in the vehicle, police said.
Mullins was arrested on charges of dealing and possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm by a violent offender, maintaining a common nuisance, resisting law enforcement by vehicle, possession of a handgun without a permit, possession of paraphernalia and the warrant, said Sgt. Andrew Richmond, North Vernon Police Department spokesman.
Barger was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and visiting a common nuisance, Richmond said.
For more on this story, see Sunday’s Republic.
