Large Amount Of Meth Seized By Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy

(LOOGOOTEE) – On Wednesday, at 9:20 pm, Martin County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Tyler Reed was on patrol in Loogootee when he observed a suspended driver operating a motor vehicle.

Cpl. Reed further observed the driver commit a moving violation. Cpl. Reed initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver took an extended period of time to pull over. Cpl. Reed requested that Loogootee Police Department Officer Nathan Allen assist him with the traffic stop.

Cpl. Reed made contact with the driver, Michael D. Clements, and advised him of the reason for the stop.

Cpl. Reed asked Clements if there were any weapons or drugs in the car and Clements advised that he had knives and that there may be marijuana in the vehicle. Cpl. Reed had Clements exit the vehicle and prepared to conduct a pat-down search and remove a knife from his pocket for officer safety.

Cpl. Reed then observed what appeared to be a methamphetamine smoking device sticking out of Clements’ pocket.

Clements was then asked to place his hands behind his back but then twisted away from the officer and attempted to stick his hand in his pocket and approached Cpl. Reed in an aggressive manner.

Cpl. Reed then utilized a take-down technique and escorted Clements to the ground where he and Officer Allen struggled with him for an extended amount of time to place him in handcuffs. Clements was handcuffed and refused medical treatment. Deputy Andrea Barnett, ISP Trooper Steve Nolan, ISP Trooper Beau Brummett, ISP Trooper TJ Henning, and ISP Sgt. Chad Dick arrived to assist.

During a search of Clements’ vehicle, a bag containing a white crystal-like substance, that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 45 grams, was located. A digital scale containing methamphetamine residue and two handguns were also located.

While being searched at the jail, Clements was found to be in possession of additional methamphetamine and a second methamphetamine smoking device.

Michael D. Clements, 53, Wheatland, IN, was charged with Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor, Driving While Suspended (Prior) – Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor