News Release

Austin Zarse

WARSAW — Kosciusko County law enforcement wrapped up a three-month investigation of a man who allegedly had been selling large amounts of methamphetamine.

Austin Nathaniel Zarse, 27, 518 Chinworth Court, Warsaw, was arrested on Monday, May 16, after fleeing police.

Police made purchases of a combined 176 grams of meth from Zarse, according to a news release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

Police also recovered a 9mm handgun, high-capacity clips and ammunition.

On Monday, when law enforcement officers approached Zarse, he fled from the officers and drove into a field where he got stuck in a ditch. Officers were then able to apprehend Zarse and place him into custody.

Zarse was charged with three counts of dealing methamphetamine in excess of 10 grams, a level 2 felony; three counts of possession of methamphetamine in excess of 28 grams, a Level 3 felony; possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony; and resisting law enforcement, Level 6 felony.

Court has set his bond at $150,000 surety, plus $250 cash. If bond is posted, and Zarse is released from jail, he would be required to participate in electronic monitoring.

The Kosciusko County Narcotics Enforcement Team, NET 43, is a collaborative law enforcement unit, consisting of officers from the Kosciusko County Prosecutors Office, Warsaw Police Department, Indiana State Police, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Winona Lake Police Department and Nappanee Police Department.