Ripley County: Yesterday afternoon at approximately 4:00 p.m. Trooper Randel Miller was patrolling I-74 in Ripley County when he stopped a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu near the 154 mile marker eastbound for a traffic violation. During the course of the traffic stop Tpr. Miller became suspicious of criminal activity and called for Tpr. Barry Bischoff and his K-9 partner, Gaston to assist. Tpr. Bischoff walked Gaston around the vehicle and Gaston alerted to the odor of drugs within the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed two Glock handguns, two bags of suspected marijuana, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency. The driver of the vehicle, 19 year old Thomas C. Watson of Indianapolis was charged with Possession of Marijuana with a Prior Conviction (Class D Felony), Possession of a Handgun without a Permit (Class A Misdemeanor), and Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Class D Felony). A passenger in the vehicle, 22 year old Eddie Richardson, also of Indianapolis was also charged with Possession of Marijuana (Class A Misdemeanor) and Visiting a Common Nuisance (Class B Misdemeanor). A 16 year old male juvenile also in the vehicle is facing juvenile charges. Both adults were transported to the Ripley County Jail without incident and the juvenile was released to a parent.
Persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Media note: Photos of Watson and Richardson may be available by contacting the Ripley County Jail.
