North Webster Man Faces Charges After Being Caught With Stolen Handgun
KOSCIUSKO — A North Webster man is facing charges after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a stolen gun and drug paraphernalia.
Eric McFarland, 37, 41 EMS W16 Lane, North Webster, is being charged with possession of a firearm by a serious, violent felon, a level 4 felony; theft, a level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on May 26, an officer with the Claypool Police Department observed a tan vehicle fail to come to a complete stop at a stoplight. The officer initiated a traffic stop and spoke with the male driver of the vehicle. The officer discovered that the driver’s license was suspended. At that time, the officer advised the male that the vehicle would be towed and that the officer was going to perform a vehicle inventory.
While performing the vehicle inventory, the officer discovered a black, zip-up pouch on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Inside the pouch, the officer found multiple syringes and a spoon. At that time, the male was placed under arrest.
The officer continued his search of the vehicle and discovered a Glock 9mm handgun on the passenger side of the vehicle. The serial number on the handgun matched the serial number of a stolen handgun from Miami County. The officer also located a glass smoking device under the passenger seat.
During the time the officer was searching the vehicle, a male, identified as McFarland, and a female came to the scene. The driver of the vehicle had dropped them off at a Subway, and when they saw the traffic stop, they walked to the vehicle. McFarland stated that he was the registered owner of the vehicle.
The officer located a purse in the vehicle, which contained several syringes and a while powder residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. The female stated that the purse and everything in it belonged to her. The male driver and the female were transported to the Kosciusko County Jail.
A DNA swab was conducted on McFarland, and he was released from the scene. The handgun that was located was sent for DNA testing.
McFarland was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail June 19 on a $15,250 surety and cash bond.