Staff Report

WARSAW — A traffic stop last month led to the discovery of methamphetamine, marijuana and paraphernalia. 

Chase O’Neil Schwinnen

Chase O’Neil Schwinnen, 30, 1692 E. 200 N. 12, Warsaw, is charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 2 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 3 felony; dealing marijuana, a class A misdemeanor; driving while suspended, a class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Aug. 20, a Warsaw Police officer was on patrol at a Lassus gas station and saw a dark colored Chevrolet Malibu parked in the parking lot. 

Upon the officer parking his vehicle, the Malibu began to slowly pull out of the gas station parking lot.

The officer observed the vehicle make several turns and a lane change without properly signaling.

The officer began following the Chevrolet Malibu through Warsaw and observed that the driver failed to signal a left-hand turn onto the access road into Horizon Bank on Anchorage Road. At that time, the officer activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. 

The officer approached the Chevrolet Malibu on the passenger side of the vehicle and knocked on the passenger window, which appeared to startle the driver, later identified as Schwinnen.

It was noted that Schwinnen had his hand on a purple Crown Royal bag and immediately pulled his hand away when the officer made contact.

When asked for his license and registration, Schwinnen provided his registration but told the officer he did not have his license with him. 

The officer confirmed that Schwinnen was the registered owner of the vehicle and found that Schwinnen’s license was suspended and that there was an active arrest warrant for driving while suspended.

The officer placed Schwinnen in custody for the outstanding arrest warrant.

A search of Schwinnen’s person led to the discovery of methamphetamine. 

A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of cash, digital scales, marijuana, paraphernalia and baggies containing methamphetamine and THC gummies.

The THC gummies weighed 17.7 grams. All of the marijuana weighed 49.5 grams. The weight of meth was 34.3 grams. He was carrying $193 in cash.

Schwinnen was booked at the Kosciusko County Jail Aug. 20 on a $30,250 surety and cash bond.