Rensselaer, IN — A routine traffic stop in Jasper County on Monday morning escalated into a major drug and weapons arrest after officers allegedly uncovered large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine inside a vehicle.
According to the Rensselaer Police Department, the incident occurred shortly before 7 a.m. on December 15, 2025, Monday, when an officer stopped a black Dodge Grand Caravan for speeding. The driver was identified as Angela Norman, 28, of Burns Harbor, while the passenger was Jay Don Martin, 44, of Rensselaer.
Police say the occupants allegedly provided inconsistent statements about their travel plans. During the stop, Martin reportedly disclosed that marijuana was inside the vehicle. A K-9 unit from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department conducted a narcotics sniff and allegedly alerted to the presence of drugs, prompting a search.
During the initial search, officers reportedly recovered two handguns, one of which was allegedly stolen, along with approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine. Due to cold weather conditions, authorities obtained a search warrant and moved the vehicle to a warmer location for a more thorough examination.
Following the execution of the warrant, police say they discovered approximately 471 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 10 grams of cocaine, and hypodermic needles inside the vehicle. Both occupants were taken to the Jasper County Jail.
Martin was charged with multiple felony counts, including two counts of dealing in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine with an enhancing factor, possession of a stolen firearm, and unlawful possession of a syringe.
Norman faces felony charges including two counts of dealing in methamphetamine, possession of cocaine with an enhancing factor, possession of cocaine, unlawful possession of a syringe, and a misdemeanor count of possession of paraphernalia.
All charges are allegations, and both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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