MITCHELL — A Mitchell man was arrested on multiple drug and driving charges after police, attempting to serve a warrant on a different individual, noticed the strong odor of marijuana coming from the home.
Kindal Turpin, 21, was taken into custody on December 5, 2025, and faces charges including operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his body, driving while his driver’s license was suspended with a prior conviction, possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
The incident began when Officer Cody Grogan of the Mitchell Police Department (MPD) received a tip regarding another male who was allegedly driving with a suspended license and had failed to report striking a deer in a 2011 Subaru Forester.
While the information about the male in question showed an active driver’s license, it also indicated an active arrest warrant.
On the afternoon of December 5, Officer Grogan, along with Officers Jacob Kuhlman, Garrett Jacobs, and Cody Blackwell, attempted to serve the warrant in the 1100 block of West Warren Street.
According to the Probable Cause Affidavit filed by Officer Grogan, upon approaching the front door, officers immediately detected the strong odor of marijuana emanating from the residence.
A woman who answered the door stated that the male the police officers were looking for was not there. Officers then spoke to Kindal Turpin, who was inside the home. Both occupants were questioned about the marijuana odor, which they admitted was present.
After being informed that police could obtain a search warrant if they refused entry, both allowed the officers to enter the residence to confiscate the drugs.
During the search, officers located a bag of marijuana on a counter, with a net weight of 25.4 grams.
Turpin reportedly admitted to driving to Michigan to purchase the marijuana and claimed ownership of all the drugs and paraphernalia found, including a bong with residue, located near the kitchen sink, a rolling container holding 0.4 grams of marijuana, and a grinding device on the counter.
Police confirmed that Turpin’s driver’s license was indeed suspended.
Upon booking at the jail, Turpin was asked about detoxing from substances and stated he would detox from marijuana. When asked about his last time using marijuana, Turpin said he had smoked marijuana earlier that day while driving home from work, which supports the charge of operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his body.
Turpin was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
