COLUMBUS, Ind. — A traffic stop by a Bartholomew County Sheriff deputy resulted in two arrests on drug-related charges and other charges.
At 11:25 p.m. Friday, Deputy Max Medina observed a green Pontiac passenger car heading north on U.S. 31 approaching West County Road 650N. The vehicle was emitting a bright white light from its rear bumper due to an equipment violation, said Sgt. Dane Duke, sheriff office spokesman.
One of the occupants, Cheyanne George, 25, Westport, was known to Medina and had an active warrant for her arrest, Duke said. Deputy Dylan Prather and his K9 partner Frizko then arrived at the traffic stop to assist Medina. During a free air sniff around the vehicle, K9 Frizko alerted to the vehicle.
At this time, Medina saw another occupant, David Swift, 36, of 1003 Ebony Circle, Franklin, reaching under the front passenger seat. An Indiana State Police trooper who had arrived on scene as well removed Swift from the vehicle and attempted to detain him in handcuffs, Duke said. Swift resisted efforts to detain him with quick jerking motions. After he was placed in handcuffs, Swift was being walked to a patrol car when he began to refuse to stand or walk.
During this struggle, Medina saw two plastic baggies fall from Swift’s person. Swift then stepped on top of the baggies in what appeared to be an attempt to conceal or destroy the baggie, Duke said. Medina collected the baggies which contained a white crystal like substance, which later tested positive for methamphetamine, Duke said. Swift had to be restrained by three law enforcement officers after which he was placed in a patrol car.
After George was placed under arrest, a smoking device with burnt residue was found in one of her pants pockets, Duke said.
During a search of the vehicle, a Glock 43 handgun was found underneath the front passenger seat in the approximate location that Swift had been reaching earlier.
During interviews with other occupants, they told deputies that as Medina turned on his emergency lights to stop the vehicle, Swift removed the handgun from his person and asked if they had any felonies. One of the occupants stated that Swift threw the handgun at her in an attempt to make her take possession of it, however she threw it back due to her previous felony convictions.
Swift was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where he was remanded into the custody of the jail. A warrant was issued by the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office shortly after on the charges of possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct. He is being held on a bond of $350,000, jail officials said.
George was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail after receiving medical clearance at Columbus Regional Hospital. During the booking process a container filled with a brown wax substance was found concealed in her undergarments, Duke said. George stated that the substance was THC marijuana wax. George was remanded on the charges of obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and her warrant. She is being held on a $5,755 bond, jail officials said.
