MITCHELL — A late-night foot patrol near the Mitchell Post Office led to the arrest of a Bloomington man on drug-related charges after officers allegedly discovered methamphetamine hidden in a cigarette pack.
Travis Matlock, 38, was arrested on Friday, September 25, 2026, by the Mitchell Police Department. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Phillip Emery, Matlock faces preliminary charges of possession of meth, a Level 6 felony, and possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor.
Initial Encounter Near Warren and 7th Streets
According to the affidavit, Officer Emery and Officer Bailey were conducting a foot patrol around 10:00 p.m. in the alleyway near Warren and 7th Streets when they walked past an occupied GMC truck parked in the Mitchell Post Office parking lot.
Officer Emery reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the direction of the vehicle. Officers made contact with the occupant, identified as Matlock, who stepped out of the truck and denied having smoked marijuana inside the vehicle before leaving the immediate area on foot.
Upon re-approaching the truck, officers noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and observed a clear plastic bag containing burnt marijuana cigarettes in plain view.
Discovery of Methamphetamine and Arrest
Officers observed Matlock standing at the end of the alley on 7th Street watching them. When officers began walking in his direction, Matlock turned and walked toward Main Street before officers caught up with him.
After returning to the truck, Matlock unlocked the driver’s side door, retrieved the clear plastic bag, and confirmed to officers that it contained burnt marijuana cigarettes before handing it over.
While Officer Bailey searched Matlock, Officer Emery conducted a search of the GMC truck and located a pack of cigarettes containing a clear plastic bag filled with a crystal-like substance. A field test kit yielded a positive result for methamphetamine. Officer Blackwell also arrived on scene to assist, locating another burnt marijuana cigarette in the vehicle’s ashtray.
Matlock was placed into restraints and transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where he was remanded into custody.
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.
