Press Release

ELKHART — A traffic stop by an Indiana State Trooper resulted in the arrest of two South Bend residents for numerous charges, as well as the seizure of 89 grams of methamphetamine.

Just after midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 26, Trooper Luis Alvarez stopped a gold 2004 Jeep for a traffic violation on the Indiana Toll Road as it traveled east near mile marker 90. This is about two miles west of the Elkhart Exit.

During the traffic stop, a vehicle search was conducted, resulting in troopers finding about 89 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded Ruger 9-millimeter handgun, cocaine, and marijuana wax.

The Jeep’s driver, Phillip Stewart, 41, South Bend; and the passenger, Jilain Mensinger, 37, South Bend, were both preliminarily arrested for dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, and possession of a handgun without a license.

Stewart and Mensinger were both taken to the Elkhart County Jail. Alvarez was assisted by Trooper Bumbaugh.