COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) was dispatched to the 74-mile marker on I-65 on Monday, November 2, at around 7:30 p.m., regarding a reckless driving complaint.
A caller reported a pickup truck traveling erratically, fluctuating speeds, weaving across the roadway, and almost striking a semi-truck.
Deputies located the vehicle near the 62.5-mile marker and observed it weaving in and out of its lane. They initiated a traffic stop near the 61-mile marker.
The driver, Melvin Earls, 58, of Indianapolis, disclosed that his driver's license was suspended. Deputies say they also detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, prompting a search.
During the investigation, BCSO conducted a records check and discovered that the suspect was a convicted felon. When the vehicle was searched, law enforcement found a handgun inside a storage compartment that was reported stolen out of Indy.
Earls was taken to Columbus Regional Health for a blood draw and then transported to the Bartholomew County Jail and remains in custody on a 48-hour hold pending the filing of formal charges.
He was preliminarily charged with:
- Operating While Intoxicated (Prior)
- Driving While Suspended (Prior)
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Theft of a Firearm
The investigation is ongoing. All persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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