Thursday morning, a traffic stop by Indiana State Police Trooper Keagan Kern led to the arrest of Steven L. Barnett, 26. Barnett was incarcerated in the Miami County Jail. He faces criminal charges for dealing methamphetamine, dealing a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, operating without a license, and a felony arrest warrant issued out of Howard County.
At approximately 1:35 a.m. Thursday, Kern initiated a traffic stop, on a 2005 Mazda on Wallick Road near Ellis Road. The Mazda allegedly had an improper taillight. Barnett was identified as the driver.
During the traffic stop, Kern noticed indicators that criminal activity was afoot. Kern also learned that Barnett had an active Howard Superior Court IV arrest warrant alleging theft, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed that Barnett allegedly had never received a driver’s license. He was placed under arrest.
During a subsequent search of the Mazda, officers allegedly found a loaded nine-millimeter handgun, marijuana, methamphetamine, LSD, and drug paraphernalia.