Howard County, IN – A routine traffic stop Saturday afternoon led to a major drug arrest and the recovery of suspected methamphetamine in Howard County, according to Indiana State Police.
According to Indiana State Police–Peru District, the stop occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, when Trooper Andrew Baldwin stopped a 2022 Dodge Ram on County Road 100 South near Rollingstone Road. During the stop, Baldwin identified the driver as William D. Whitman, 61, of Russiaville.
Police said Whitman was found to have an active arrest warrant out of Howard County and was taken into custody at the scene. During the investigation, Trooper Baldwin utilized his K-9 partner, Mack, who alerted officers to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. A subsequent search reportedly uncovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Whitman was transported to the Howard County Jail. Further investigation led officers to obtain and execute a search warrant at Whitman’s residence. According to police, that search resulted in the discovery of suspected marijuana and additional suspected methamphetamine weighing approximately 70 grams.
The suspected narcotics will be sent to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for testing and confirmation, police said.
Whitman was preliminarily charged with dealing in methamphetamine (Level 2 felony, four counts), possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 and Level 6 felonies), possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor), and possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).
Indiana State Police said Trooper Baldwin was assisted by members of the Peru Post, the ISP Drug Enforcement Section, and the Howard County Drug Task Force.
All charges are preliminary. Under Indiana law, all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
