BPD makes drug arrest after stopping vehicle for an expired license plate

BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Friday, Feb. 11th after a Bedford Police officer stopped his vehicle on State Road 37 and 5th Street at 11:15 p.m.

Brian Hanners

The driver, 36-year-old Brian Hanners was stopped because the officer noticed the license plate on the white Chevrolet Silverado was expired.

Hanners stopped near the intersection of 5th Street and Bell Back Road

Hanners was given a written warning for the expired license plate. 

Police say Hanners appeared extremely nervous during their conversation. 

Hanners told police he was traveling to Old Turn Pike Road which is south of the city limits. The officers found it odd that Hanners would turn onto 5th Street. Hanners then stated he was going to a gas station to visit a female friend.  Hanners stated nothing illegal was in the vehicle when officers asked.  

He then gave officers permission to search his vehicle. It was at that time, he told the officers there was a meth pipe in the tool bag in his truck. In his coat, which was in the truck, officers found a baggie of crystal meth, a black case that contained a smoking device and a cut straw both containing meth residue. In the toolbag, officers found a baggie of marijuana and smoking devices.

Officers then located a black case inside of the toolbox which contained 4 handguns to include, 1 Rock Island Model 1911 45-caliber (with full 8 round magazine separate from the gun), one American Tactical 1911 45-caliber (with 7 round magazine separate from the gun), one Witness PS 9mm (with empty magazine), and 1 Chiappa 22 caliber revolver (with three rounds and three empty shell casings in the cylinder). 

Hanners was detained on charges of possession of meth, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

If you know something, say something. Send an email to drugactivity@lawrencecounty.in.gov or call Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 812-545-4700. All calls are confidential.