A local woman was arrested for auto theft and possession of drug-related items after a traffic stop in Columbus.
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputy Adam Warner made the stop in the 3000 block of North National Road at 2:11 a.m. Wednesday, deputies said.
The driver, identified as Samantha Banks, 44, of 2806 22nd St., was unable to provide paperwork for the vehicle, deputies said.
Investigators confirmed the vehicle is owned by an inmate in the Bartholomew County Jail.
The inmate told officers that Banks should not be in possession of the vehicle and requested that it be reported as stolen, deputies said.
After Columbus Police Officer Branch Schrader and K9 Argo responded to the scene, Argo alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Drug-related items were located, deputies said.
Banks was arrested and taken to the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges of auto theft, possession of drug-related items and driving while suspended with a prior conviction, deputies said.
Primary Deputy: Deputy Adam Warner
Assisting Deputies: Sgt. Jason Williams, Deputy Nate Nichols
Assisting Agency: Columbus Police Department
