At approximately 6:23 a.m. Wednesday, a traffic stop by Indiana State Trooper Steven Glass led to the arrests of Michael Jones, 52, Jeffery Jones, 53, Sondra Stabler, 55, Candy Thomas, 57, all from Peru, and Steven Blue, 57, Warsaw. All five were incarcerated in the Miami County Jail. Michael Jones and Jeffery Jones face criminal charges for possession of a narcotic drug, possession of a syringe, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, conspiracy to deal a schedule I narcotic, and maintaining a common nuisance. Blue faces criminal charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (controlled substance), trafficking, possession of a syringe, possession of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to deal a schedule I narcotic.
Trooper Glass initiated a traffic stop on a 2004 Pontiac Bonneville on U.S. 24, near Paw Paw Pike, for allegedly traveling left of the center line. While Trooper Glass was speaking with the driver, identified as Blue, he allegedly noticed indicators that Blue was intoxicated. Trooper Ben Reason, and his narcotic detecting police dog, Cartoush, arrived to assist with the traffic stop. Reason utilized Cartoush, to conduct a free air sniff around the Pontiac. The dog indicated the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the car, Blue, and two passengers, Michael Jones and Jeffery Jones, officers allegedly found 14.7 grams of heroin (cut with fentanyl), and hypodermic needles. The investigation revealed that Blue was also allegedly driving while under the influence of a narcotic. All three were incarcerated in the Miami County Jail. While the trio was being processed into the jail, correctional officers allegedly found a syringe and methamphetamine in one of Blue’s shoe.
Further investigation led officers to apply for and receive a search warrant for Michael Jones’ residence at 501 West 10th Street, Trailer #1, Peru, IN. During their search, officers allegedly found heroin, syringes, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Sondra Stabler, 55, and Candy Thomas, 57, were at the home during the warrant service. They were arrested and incarcerated in the Miami County Jail to face criminal charges for maintaining a common nuisance, possession of a scheduled I narcotic, possession of a syringe, and possession of marijuana.