Off-Duty Trooper Observes Leaky Load and Issues Citations
Clay County—On April 17th at approximately 4:00p.m., Indiana State Police Master Trooper Todd Brown was off-duty and spotted a gray 2001 Chevrolet pickup pulling a dump style trailer traveling northbound on County Road 200 West near CR 800 N. The trailer was loaded with trash and old construction material that was falling off onto the roadway as the vehicle was in motion. The trailer was equipped with a tarp, but the tarp was not in use.
Off-duty, Master Trooper Todd Brown stopped the vehicle on CR 200W near US 40. During conversations with the driver, Master Trooper Brown located a minimal amount of Marijuana and a small amount of assorted paraphernalia. The contraband was seized by Brown.
The driver, 29-year-old Ryan M. Long of Brazil, IN., was cited into the Clay County judicial system for misdemeanor marijuana possession, misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia, and leaky load (infraction). Long and his passengers were released from the scene after the citations and gathering of all debris left along CR 200 W.
Throughout the state on a daily basis, Indiana State Police troopers are called to action while utilizing the privilege of a take-home vehicle and this is just one small example.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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SGT. JOE WATTS
