Staff Report

James A. Crouse

Marry Ann Meadows

PIERCETON — Two people were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop near Pierceton.

James A. Crouse, 64, 4371 S. Meridian Road, Columbia City, is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a class C misdemeanor; possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; driving while suspended prior, a class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction, a level 6 felony.

Marry Ann Meadows, 27, 5755 S. East Channel Road, Warsaw, is charged with possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On May 3, an Indiana State Police trooper was patrolling near Pierceton when he pulled over a vehicle with an improperly displayed paper registration. Crouse was identified as the vehicle’s driver and Meadows was a passenger.

According to court documents, the trooper noticed the smell of marijuana inside the vehicle and that Crouse was exhibiting physical signs of intoxication. Meadows had drug paraphernalia and heroin on her person.

Upon further investigation, troopers learned Crouse’s driving status was suspended prior. While searching the vehicle, officers found meth and marijuana.

Crouse told police he believed he was impaired on several drugs.

Crouse was previously convicted of OWI and driving while suspended in Whitley County.