NORTH VERNON — North Vernon police arrested two people on multiple charges including possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a firearm and a felony warrant after a traffic stop Thursday.
Sgt. Andrew Richmond, North Vernon Police Department spokesman, said the incident began when a gray Mazda passenger car was called in by a motorist as
driving recklessly on State Road 7 North near the Goodwill Store. Officers were able to locate the car as it drove south near the intersection of State Road 7 and Highway 50.
The driver of the car committed a moving violation on South State Street and a traffic stop was initiated, Richmond said.
Richmond was assisted by Officer Seth Beville and K9/Officer Shane Trepanier and K9 Zobi.
The driver, Joseph Swinehart, 32, of Indianapolis, originally gave a false name and
birthdate. The passenger, Carolyn Norman, 36, of Indianapolis, was detained. K9 Zobi alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from within the car. A search based on this uncovered a concealed and loaded handgun. Neither Swinehart nor Norman had a concealed carry permit, Richmond said.
Several items of drug paraphernalia were also located including two glass smoking devices
with residue. After Swinehart’s true identity was discovered it was found he had an active
warrant for his arrest issued from Marion County.
Charges include:
Joseph Swinehart, 31, Indianapolis
–Felon in possession of a firearm, Level 4 felony
–Carrying a handgun w/out a permit w/ prior conviction, Level 5 felony
–Identity deception, Level 6 felony
–Possession of a controlled substance, Level 6 felony
–Maintaining a common nuisance, Level 6 felony
–Possession of paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanor
–Operating a vehicle while never licensed, Class C misdemeanor
–Marion County warrant for Possession of methamphetamine Level 5 felony, Residential Entry Level 6 felony and Trespass, Class A misdemeanor
Carolyn D. Norman, 36, Indianapolis
–Possession of a controlled substance Level 6 felony
–Possession of a handgun w/out a permit A misdemeanor
–Possession of paraphernalia A misdemeanor
–Visiting a common nuisance B misdemeanor
