Henry County – Yesterday morning (10/7/12) around 8:40 a.m. Trooper Kris Martin was on I-70 working crash reduction in Henry County when he noticed a gray 2007 Chevrolet passenger car following another car too closely in the passing lane. The vehicles were at the speed limit with a car length or less distance between the two. Following too closely is one of the top three causes of crashes on the interstate.

Martin stopped the car at the 131 mile marker for following too closely.  After speaking to the driver and his passenger, he became suspicious.  Troopers Snyder and K-9 Trooper Stephens were nearby and came to assist.  Stephen’s partner, Jaxx, did an open air sniff of the vehicle and alerted on the presence of narcotics in the car.

A search of the vehicle turned up a small amount of marijuana and three capsules containing heroin. Arrested was the driver, Darion D. Miller, age 20 of Centerville, Ohio, and the passenger, William Lowery, age 24 of Trotwood, Ohio.

Miller was charged with Possession of Heroin, Class “D” Felony, and Possession of Marijuana, Class “A” Misdemeanor. Lowery was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Marijuana, Second Offense, both “D” Felonies. Both men were lodged in the Henry County Jail.

The Indiana State Police remain committed to reducing crashes in the state by monitoring the top causes for crashes and concentrating enforcement efforts on these causes. This traffic stop is also an example of how a “routine traffic stop” can often lead to the discovery of criminal activity.

Anyone with information about illegal drug use may call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.