Plymouth Police make two arrests in less than 24 hours for traffic-related offenses

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Plymouth Police made two arrests within an 11-hour span, apprehending individuals who allegedly violated traffic laws, with one facing charges for impaired driving and marijuana possession.

The first incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, January 21, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Patrolman Thornton initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 30 and Pioneer Drive. The driver and registered owner, 30-year-old Samantha Marie Platz-Pearish of Knox, was discovered to be operating the vehicle while her license was suspended with a prior offense. Platz-Pearish was transported and lodged in the Marshall County Jail, charged with driving while suspended-prior, and is being held on a $500 cash bond.

Early Thursday morning, January 22, around 12:45 a.m., Officer Ayala stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation at Harrison and Center Streets. During the stop, a driving under the influence (DUI) investigation began on the driver, identified as 41-year-old Brandon Rush of South Bend. Following a certified chemical test conducted at the Plymouth Police Department by a certified law enforcement phlebotomist, Rush was transported to the Marshall County Jail. He was booked and lodged on charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, OWI-endangerment, and possession of marijuana. Rush was given a court date and a $1,500 cash bond.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.