Traffic stop yields arrest, drugs and weapons siezed

A traffic stop resulted in the Howard County Sheriff's Office with an arrest and recovery of drugs and guns.

About 10 p.m. on December 6, Deputy Jeremiah Jackson conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Berkley and Jefferson Streets. The stop was prompted when a vehicle, driven by Malachi Peters, 27, was observed speeding through a red light and narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle.
During the stop, Peters informed Deputy Jackson that his residence had been burglarized, and that he had left in a hurry to confront the situation himself and had not yet called 911. Deputy Jackson accompanied Peters to his apartment on Harvest Drive, where evidence of forced entry was discovered. While conducting a protective sweep for safety, Deputy Jackson observed items in plain view consistent with marijuana distribution and detected a strong odor of raw marijuana.
Following the denial of consent to search the residence, a search warrant was obtained based on the presence of items in plain view. The warrant was executed with assistance from additional deputies. The search led to the seizure of:
 

Approximately 8.5 pounds of marijuana and various THC products, including vape cartridges, edibles, and oils.

Approximately 400 grams of psychedelic mushrooms.

Multiple firearms, including a Glock 43X, Maverick 12-gauge shotgun, and a Diamondback AR-15.

$1,620 in cash and drug distribution paraphernalia, including scales, packaging materials, and a money counter.

Various THC products, including 53 "Sweet Live" vape cartridges, 56 "Tyson Pod" cartridges, 133 "VYBE" cartridges, and additional cartridges and edibles totaling hundreds of items.

Hash oil and related products, including nine containers labeled as hash oil, multiple mason jars with undetermined amounts of oil, and various glass smoking devices.

Packaging materials, including vacuum-seal freezer bags, mylar bags, and small glass containers commonly associated with drug distribution.

Peters was arrested and transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center. A bond was set at $50,000 and 10% was posted two days later. He faces the following charges:

Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance (Level 2 Felony)
Dealing in Marijuana (Level 6 Felony)
Possession of Marijuana with Prior Conviction (Level 6 Felony)
Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance (Class A Misdemeanor)

The investigation into the initial residential burglary is ongoing, and at this time, no suspects have been identified. Anyone with information on this case should contact Deputy Jackson at 765-614-3406 or by submitting a tip using our app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov