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Last updated on Wednesday, September 25, 2013
(BEDFORD) - A Bedford man was arrested after he received a package of marijuana in the mail Tuesday morning.
According to Bedford Police Chief Dennis Parsley officers were alerted by the U.S. Postal Service that they had intercepted a package from California that contained marijuana.
Postal officials obtained a federal warrant to determine the substance in the package was marijuana.
Police then followed a Bedford postal worker to a home at 1217 12th Street and watched the worker deliver the package to 35-year-old Billy Spangler.
After Spangler received the package, officers armed with a search warrant moved in.
"Flash bombs were set off at the rear of the home to distract those inside," says Parsley. "Officers then entered the front of the home where they found Spangler, his daughter and his nephew."
Parsley says diversion tactics are used to keep those inside the home and officers safe.
"They cause a diversion so entry can be gained quickly and safely," Parsley says.
During their search officers found a large quantity of marijuana, hashish, scales and baggies and other items to smoke and distribute the drug.
Spangler was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, dealing marijuana, dealing hashish and possession of hashish.
He was released from jail on a $755 cash bond around 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Spangler, however claims he has a California prescription for medical marijuana. However that does not help him here in Indiana.
"It may be legal there, but it is not here," says Parsley.
Spangler also claims that officers placed everyone in the home in handcuffs.
Which is standard police procedure, according to Parsley. Officers secure everyone until the scene is secure and they can determine who is involved in the crime.
Spangler also claims police stole his, his daughter's and nephew's cell phones.
Police did gather evidence in the home and it will be returned after a court hearing and the judge orders its release.
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