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

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

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.