KOSCIUSKO — A traffic stop for expired plates led to two people being arrested for dealing methamphetamine and other criminal charges.

Savannah Dannielle Madis Olinger, 18, homeless; and Branden Trey Clupper Reese, 22, 6473 W. SR 14, Silver Lake, are both being charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 3 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor. 

On March 4, an officer with the Warsaw Police Department observed a black Honda with an expired registration plate driving on Park Avenue. The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Reese and the passenger as Olinger. While talking to Reese, the officer observed blood on his hands and noticed that he was holding his arm awkwardly around his torso. Reese advised the officer that he cut his hand inside the vehicle.

While speaking with Olinger, she provided the officer with a glass smoking device. The officer then searched Olinger’s person and discovered 7.5 grams of methamphetamine.

Upon searching the vehicle, the officer discovered digital scales, empty plastic bags and two more glass smoking devices. The officer also discovered a Mountain Dew bottle that had white crystals inside. According to the officer, it appeared that methamphetamine had been dumped into the bottle in an attempt to hide, damage or alter the drugs from being used as evidence. The bottle tested positive for methamphetamine.