Plymouth Police arrest 4 on various driving and drug charges Tuesday

Plymouth Police arrested four individuals on Tuesday, September 1, on a variety of driving and drug-related charges across four separate incidents.

At 11:30 a.m., Patrolman Thornton conducted a traffic stop on a passenger vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 31 and 9A Road. While on the stop, he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search turned up numerous items of THC paraphernalia as well as suspected marijuana. The driver, 27-year-old Mayell Niye Tate of South Bend, was also found to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license. Tate was transported to the Marshall County Jail and charged with driving while suspended-prior and possession of paraphernalia.

Tuesday evening at 7:30, Plymouth Police were advised of a possible impaired driver traveling eastbound on U.S. 30 from the west county line. Corporal Baker located the suspect vehicle at U.S. 30 and Queen Road after witnessing it weave out of its lane. A traffic stop was conducted, and after an investigation, it was determined that the driver, 32-year-old Angel Fernandez of Plymouth, was impaired. A chemical test later revealed a blood alcohol content of .190. Fernandez was taken into custody for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating while intoxicated — endangerment, and held on a $1,500 cash bond.

Also Tuesday evening at 8:30, Patrolman Thornton initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 31 and 9A Road for traveling 96 mph. While speaking to the driver, 19-year-old Daron Nixon Dinkins of Indianapolis, it was found that a juvenile in the backseat was not properly restrained. Patrolman Schieber and K9 Kyzer arrived and assisted in conducting an open-air sniff of the vehicle. Suspected marijuana was located throughout the vehicle. Dinkins was placed in custody, transported to the Marshall County Jail, and charged with reckless driving and possession of paraphernalia.

At approximately 10 p.m., Officer Witkowski conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling southbound on U.S. 31 near Veterans Parkway. The driver, 32-year-old Fredrica N. Brown of South Bend, was found to be operating the vehicle without a valid driver's license. A search of the vehicle also revealed suspected marijuana. Brown was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked for operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a valid driver's license, as well as possession of marijuana.

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.