LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ind. (AP) — A routine traffic stop early Thursday led to the arrest of two individuals on multiple drug and weapons-related charges, according to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputy Kyle Long conducted the stop shortly after 1:30 a.m. on July 10 near the intersection of Mill Creek Road and Sams Road, after observing a black Ford F-150 with an obstructed and unlit license plate. A couch in the bed of the truck further blocked visibility of the plate, prompting the stop.
The driver, identified as Tanner Hurt, 27, of Bloomington, granted consent for officers to search the vehicle. During the encounter, Deputy Long reported detecting the odor of marijuana. Hurt admitted to possessing marijuana and syringes. A search of his pockets turned up two syringes, suspected marijuana, two gabapentin pills, and a .22-caliber bullet. A .22-caliber handgun was later found under the driver’s seat.
Hurt was taken into custody and faces preliminary charges of possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of a legend drug, both Level 6 felonies.
A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Dianda Roberts, 32, of Williams, was also arrested after deputies recovered a bag of suspected methamphetamine near where she had briefly walked away from the vehicle. A subsequent search of a purse found on the passenger side — containing Roberts’ identification — turned up two syringes, a red straw with meth residue, and a bottle of gabapentin pills.
Roberts faces preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a hypodermic needle, both Level 6 felonies, as well as misdemeanor charges of possession of a legend drug and possession of paraphernalia.
Captain Harrison Fleetwood and Sgt. Whitney Anderson assisted at the scene. A third passenger was released without charges.
Both suspects were transported to the Lawrence County Security Center without further incident. All items recovered were logged into evidence, and the investigation is ongoing.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
