At approximately 7:40 p.m. Friday on SR 25 near CR 500 East (that is about three miles north of I-65/175 entrance ramp), a trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding. In the subsequent investigation almost one pound of marijuana was discovered inside the vehicle.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Michael Risley has revealed that he was stationary checking speeds when he got a silver Ford Expedition running in excess of the 60 MPH zone. Trooper Risley stopped the vehicle and approached the driver and asked for his license and registration. The driver identified by his Michigan license as Derrick Dennis, 34 of Lansing, MI was advised the reason for the stop. Trooper Risley noticed that there were nine children in the car with six of them not buckled into seatbelts or child restraints.
During the stop, Trooper Risley detected the presence of possible criminal activity and called for assistance. Troopers Stephen and Mull showed up and after further investigation, approximately one pound of marijuana was located inside of the vehicle. Dennis was placed into custody and was initially charged with Possession of Marijuana Prior and Driving with a Suspended License.Dennis, who was in route to a family reunion, called some relatives to pick up the children and transport them to the party. He then was transported to the Tippecanoe County Jail. The investigation is continuing.