Lafayette-Sunday, July 3, 2016 at approximately 6:21 a.m. on SR 26 near Red Cloud Drive in Lafayette, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation and approximately 150 grams of heroin valued at $30,000.00 was found in the vehicle and on person.
Trooper Ben Rector attempted to stop a 2007 silver Saab SUV for turning right from a left turn lane. After following the Saab with his emergency lights on, the vehicle finally pulled into the McDonald’s parking lot. After walking up and talking to the driver, R.C. Gatlin, 49 of Kokomo, IN and his back seat passenger Jerelle Gatlin, 42 also from Kokomo, it was determined that criminal activity was possibly occurring. After observing narcotics in the vehicle and in possession of the passenger, both suspects were placed into custody after the narcotics tested positive for heroin.
Both Gatlins were transported to the Tippecanoe county Jail and initially charged with:
• Dealing in a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Controlled substance
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance.
Trooper Tyler Stinson assisted Trooper Rector in the traffic stop. The investigation is continuing. Contact Tippecanoe County Jail for pictures.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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