News Release

SYRACUSE – Two Kosciusko County men were arrested on drug charges on Tuesday afternoon following a traffic stop by Indiana State Police.

At approximately 4:48 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Tropper Matt Drudge made a traffic stop on a green 1997 Jeep for an equipment violation near the intersection of East Hatchery Road and Hiawatha Lane, near Syracuse.

As Drudge approached the Jeep, he saw that it was occupied by two men and that the passenger was not wearing a seatbelt. The Jeep’s driver, identified as Ryan Kennelly, 38, Cromwell, was reportedly showing signs of impairment. While Drudge spoke to Kennelly, the Jeep’s passenger, identified as Shane Senter, 50, Warsaw, opened the passenger door to leave the traffic stop but was told he could not due to his violation.

Once an additional officer arrived, Senter was discovered to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine, several pills believed to be narcotics, two hypodermic needles, and suspected marijuana.

Kennelly was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine as well as items of drug paraphernalia that were discovered in his Jeep. During this time Senter began to complain of a medical emergency and an ambulance was called.

Kennelly was taken to a local hospital for a certified test for intoxication and then booked in the Kosciusko County Jail for possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a syringe with a prior conviction, both level 5 felonies; maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony; operating a vehicle while intoxicated – endangerment, a class A misdemeanor; and OWI – controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, and operating a vehicle with suspended registration, all class C misdemeanors.

Senter was taken to a local hospital due to his complaint of the medical emergency. Several hours later he was medically cleared. He was then taken to KCJ for possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; unlawful possession of a syringe and obstruction of justice, both level 6 felonies; possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia and visiting a common nuisance, both class C misdemeanors.