EVANSVILLE, Ind. (ADAMS) – A half-pound of meth is off the streets and Indiana State Police officials say that it all started with a seatbelt violation.
The Indiana State Police say they stopped 62-year-old Brian Ellis in Evansville yesterday for not wearing his seatbelt and driving over the centerline.
Once stopped, troopers say they found nearly a half-pound of meth, a loaded pistol, a digital scale, and some prescription pills in Ellis’ truck. He’s now in jail on a laundry list of drug charges.
Indiana State Police released the following:
Monday evening, February 21, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Trooper Widner stopped the driver of a 2007 Ford F-150 for driving left of center and not wearing a seat belt on Louisiana Street near Mary Street. The driver was stopped on Read Street near Florida Street and identified as Brian Ellis, 62, of Evansville. During the traffic stop, Ellis displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Ellis also refused to submit to a chemical test. An Evansville Police K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside Ellis’ vehicle. Troopers searched the vehicle and located approximately 190 grams of methamphetamine and an electronic scale. Ellis was also unlawfully possessing prescription pills and a loaded handgun. Ellis was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.
*Arrested and Charges:
Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance, Level 6 Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 4 Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor
Media Note: As of 11:30, the mug photo of Ellis was not available.
Arresting Officers: Trooper Tyler Widner and Trooper Jordan Lee
Assisting Agency: Evansville Police
*All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
