Stolen vehicle check leads to two arrests

Two people were arrested after Columbus police stopped what was believed to be a stolen vehicle.

Columbus police officer Michael Butler saw a vehicle without functioning taillights traveling in the 700 block of Chestnut Street at 12:25 a.m. Tuesday, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Butler stopped the vehicle and talked with the driver identified as Larry R. Evans, 22, of 3156 Cliffshire Lane, North Vernon, as well as his passenger, Victoria L. Villegas, 20, of 2003 Central Ave., Harris said.

Butler determined Evans’ driver’s license was suspended and he was arrested, Harris said. A police canine detected a narcotics odor coming from the vehicle. When officers searched the vehicle, they found methamphetamine and paraphernalia including several syringes, Harris said.

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Officers also determined Evans had taken the vehicle without permission from the owner, Harris said.

Evans was arrested on preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a previous conviction, possession of stolen property and possession of a legend drug-injection device, Harris said.

He was being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $77,000 bond, jail officials said.

Villegas was arrested on preliminary charges of possession of a legend drug-injection device, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, Harris said.

She was being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $117,500 bond, jail officials said.