BEDFORD— A Bedford woman was arrested Tuesday afternoon after police discovered marijuana and a fentanyl-filled syringe during a traffic stop involving a wanted man, according to a police affidavit.
At around 4:28 p.m. on June 4, Bedford Police Sgt. Nick Crulo responded to a tip from an Indiana State Police detective that a wanted individual, Austin Goen, was sitting in the passenger seat of a gold Honda Accord parked outside the Circle K at 1325 L Street. Crulo located the vehicle and detained Goen, who was confirmed to have an active warrant.
Goen was searched and found with a digital scale that tested positive for methamphetamine residue. A black zippered pouch was found on the passenger seat where Goen had been sitting. According to police, Holley Stevens, who was driving the vehicle, identified the pouch as belonging to Goen and admitted he “usually had something” illegal on him.
Officers opened the pouch and discovered a large quantity of a crystal-like substance. Police say Goen claimed ownership of the pouch and admitted the substance was drugs, estimating its weight at around three ounces. Field tests later confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
While speaking with Stevens, Captain Jesse Emmons conducted a pat-down and found a black tube on her person. Stevens reportedly told police the tube contained marijuana that belonged to her mother. An infant child was also in the car and was released to a family member after officers secured the scene.
Based on probable cause, police searched the vehicle and discovered a used hypodermic needle containing a brown liquid inside Stevens’ purse. According to the affidavit, Stevens denied the syringe was hers but acknowledged it likely contained heroin, stating she was a former heroin user. The liquid tested positive for fentanyl, and Stevens had no prescription or medical explanation for possessing the syringe.
Stevens was read her Miranda rights and taken into custody. She faces preliminary charges of possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of a syringe. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities say Goen was transported to the Lawrence County Jail and faces multiple drug-related charges, including possession of methamphetamine. The contents of the pouch recovered from the passenger seat reportedly included plastic baggies, wrapping papers, a spoon, cut straws with residue, and a jar—all of which tested positive for meth.
