MITCHELL – A local man is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after a routine traffic stop for an equipment violation led to a drug discovery and an impaired driving investigation early Monday morning.
Colton Smart, 32, of Mitchell, was taken into custody on March 30, 2026, following an encounter with the Mitchell Police Department at approximately 2:35 a.m.
According to court documents, Officer Cody Blackwell was monitoring traffic at the intersection of South 9th Street and State Road 60 East when he observed a vehicle traveling northbound with a non-functioning license plate light.
Officer Blackwell initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle pulled into a driveway in the 500 block of South 9th Street. Upon approaching the driver, identified as Smart, the officer noted that the suspect appeared “anxious” and immediately stated he knew he should not have been driving. Smart subsequently admitted to the officer that he did not have a valid driver’s license.
After confirming that Smart’s license was suspended with a prior conviction, officers obtained consent to search the vehicle. During the search, investigators reported finding a THC vape pen wedged between the driver’s seat and center console and a glass smoking pipe containing burnt residue inside the center console.
Police say Smart initially denied the vape pen contained THC before recanting and admitting it was a THC device. He also reportedly told officers he had used a smoking “bowl” shortly before leaving his residence, which was located only a quarter-mile away from the stop.
Detective Grogan administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which Smart reportedly failed, showing consistent signs of intoxication.
Smart was informed of the Indiana Implied Consent law and agreed to a chemical test. He was transported to IU Health Bedford for testing before being booked into the Lawrence County Jail. Both the vape pen and the glass pipe field-tested positive for the presence of THC.
Smart is facing charges of driving while his driver’s license was suspended with a prior conviction, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Mitchell Police Department reminds residents that Indiana’s “Hands-Free” and equipment laws often serve as the starting point for proactive safety enforcement.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
