Plymouth Police make two drug-related arrests during Sunday traffic stops

Officers with the Plymouth Police Department arrested two individuals on drug and driving charges following separate traffic stops on Sunday, March 29.

The first incident occurred at 3:17 p.m. when Officer Fisher conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 30 at Plymouth Goshen Trail. The vehicle was pulled over after a check revealed the registered owner had a suspended license. The driver, identified as 29-year-old Nicholas Kowalski of Kimmell, Indiana, was taken into custody for driving while suspended.

While speaking with Kowalski, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded marijuana and cocaine. Kowalski was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked on preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior conviction, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of cocaine.

Later that evening, at 6:30 p.m., Corporal Schieber initiated a traffic stop near U.S. 31 and 9A Road for a license violation. The driver, 36-year-old Rahjean Welch of Indianapolis, was found to have never been issued a driver's license.

During the investigation, the officer noted signs of impairment and discovered open containers and suspected marijuana in the vehicle. Following a chemical test, Welch was arrested and lodged at the Marshall County Jail. He faces preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, and operating a vehicle while never licensed.

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.