At approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday, a traffic stop by Indiana State Trooper Kyle Miller led to the arrests of Derek Elliott, 24, Sean Tarr, 21, Nevey Claar, 19, and Christopher Soderlund, 23, all from Kokomo. The four were incarcerated in the Howard County Jail to face preliminary criminal charges for dealing methamphetamine, possession of a scheduled four substance, possession of a scheduled three substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a syringe, possession of a scheduled substance, possession of a legend drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Elliott and Tarr face an additional charge, each, for identity deception. Elliott also faces an additional count for driving while suspended with a prior conviction.
Troopers Miller initiated a traffic stop on a Buick Rendezvous, on Apperson Way near Havens Street, for driving without headlights and disregarding a stop sign. The Buick was driven by Elliott. While Miller were speaking to Elliott, he allegedly smelled an odor of marijuana emitting from the Buick. Miller also noticed indicators that criminal activity might be afoot. Troopers Jonathan Cole and Dukengston Lavache arrived to assist.
During a subsequent search of the Buick, officers allegedly found methamphetamine, Xanax, Suboxone, a hypodermic needle, various prescription pills, counterfeit money, and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed that Elliott was purportedly driving on a suspended license. Elliott and Tarr also allegedly provided false identifying information when officers asked for their name and dates of birth.