WARSAW — While a Warsaw man was being arrested for battering his girlfriend, an officer discovered evidence that the man was dealing various drugs.

Tyler Adam Prestin

Tyler Adam Prestin, 26, 2441 West CR 250S, Warsaw, is being charged with dealing cocaine, a level 5 felony; possession of cocaine, a level 6 felony; possession of syringe, a level 6 felony; dealing in a schedule IV controlled substance, a level 6 felony; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.

On March 28, an Indiana State Police officer was traveling on Old Road 30 through Etna Green when he observed a woman running towards the road waving her arms. The woman told the the officer that there was a woman at her house being beaten by a man later identified as Prestin.

Upon arriving to the house, the officer spoke with the victim who was crying and holding a small child. She advised that her boyfriend had hit her and left walking towards his home.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the officer located Prestin and placed him in hand restraints. The officer removed a set of digital scales and one hypodermic needle from Prestin’s pockets. Prestin was then read his Miranda Rights.

The officer observed a clear plastic bag fall from Prestin’s person. Located in the bag were two bags marked “1 gram 20” that contained marijuana, five bags marked “1 4.00 2 6.00” that each contained six Alprazolam pills and five bags containing methamphetamine. The officer determined that the markings on the bags were the price for the drugs.

Prestin spoke with the officer and advised he uses the digital scales to weigh weed he purchases. He also told the officer that the pills were for his anxiety. When the officer asked if Prestin had hit the victim, Prestin said he may have bumped her face with his shoulder.

The victim advised that the two had been arguing about Prestin using her vehicle. She believed he wanted to use her vehicle to sell drugs. The victim said the argument escalated and Prestin pulled her necklace she was wearing and broke the chain. According to the victim, he then hit her on the face.

Prestin was booked on March 28 with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.