COLUMBUS, Ind. – -After noticing a bright, white light on the rear bumper of a car, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) initiated a traffic stop for an equipment violation last Wednesday on U.S. 31, near County Road 650N.
One of the occupants, Cheyanne George, 25, of Columbus, was known to Deputy Medina and had an active warrant for her arrest. Dep. Dylan Prather and his K9 partner Frizko arrived to assist. During a free-air sniff around the vehicle, K9 Frizko signaled the presence of narcotics.
Law enforcement noticed the front passenger, David Swift, 36, of Columbus, reaching under his seat. An Indiana State Police trooper who also responded removed Swift from the vehicle and attempted to detain him but he resisted. After eventually being placed in handcuffs, he supposedly refused to walk to the patrol car. Swift had to be restrained by three officers after which he was placed in the vehicle.
During this struggle Dep. Medina reportedly saw plastic baggies fall from Swift’s person, The suspect then stepped on them in an attempt to possibly destroy the baggie. The deputy collected the baggies which allegedly contained a white crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
After George was arrested, BCSO says a smoking device with burnt residue was found in her pockets.
During a vehicle search, a Glock 43 handgun was supposedly found under the front passenger seat.
When deputies interviewed the other occupants, they said that as BCSO turned on the emergency lights to stop their vehicle, Swift removed the handgun from his person and asked if they had any felonies. One of the occupants stated that Swift threw the handgun at her in an attempt to make her take possession of it however she threw it back due to her previous felony convictions.
Swift was transported to Bartholomew County Jail and he was charged with possession of meth, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, resisting law enforcement, and disorderly conduct. He is being held on a $350,000 bond.
George was taken to Bartholomew County Jail after receiving medical clearance at Columbus Regional Health. During the booking process, a container filled with a brown wax substance was reportedly found concealed in her undergarments. She was booked for obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and her warrant. She is being held on a $5,755 bond.
This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Swift-Courtesy-BCSO
George-Courtesy-BCSO