Rochester man arrested after meth found in vehicle with children present

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 7:39 AM

By Staff report

A Rochester man is facing multiple charges after police allegedly found meth in a vehicle that was also carrying two children.

According to court documents, just before 9 p.m. on Aug. 27 an Indiana State Police trooper noticed a vehicle traveling southbound on US 31 with its parking lights on. After following the vehicle, the trooper reported the driver began speeding before quickly pulling into a driveway in Rochester.

The driver was identified as Brandon Beattie, 32, of Rochester. Two children were also found to be inside of Beattie's vehicle. The trooper was assisted by Fulton County Sheriff's Office deputies and Rochester Police at the scene, where authorities report a K9 unit alerted officers about illegal drugs being in the car. Items testing positive for meth were found in Beattie's vehicle and he was arrested at the scene and the children were released to the care of their mother.

Beattie was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 Felony; and reckless driving, a class C misdemeanor. An initial hearing for Beattie was Sept. 4 and his pre-trial conference is scheduled for Oct. 8.