County police arrest two men from Whitley County

County police arrested a Columbia City man early Wednesday following a traffic stop.

At approximately 12:40 Thursday morning, Officer Wozniak with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department initiated a traffic stop on a blue 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the area of U.S. 30 and State Road 331.

During his investigation, a Kosciusko County canine officer was requested to the scene. The canine alerted to the vehicle, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was completed. The officer located suspected marijuana within the vehicle.

The driver, 25-year-old Jaspier D. Watkins of Columbia City, was found to be operating a vehicle with a suspended driving status, which is a misdemeanor, possession of marijuana, and had an active state-wide warrant out of Whitley County. He was held on a $500 cash bond.

A passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old Garrett S. Wildey, was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was booked in on a $250 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.