Two simultaneous traffic stops led to the arrest of five people for various charges including drugs, a gun and warrants.
The first stop occurred just after midnight when Trooper Michael Wright noticed a suspicious vehicle with three occupants loitering at the Village Pantry Gas Station in the 1200 block of S. Harding Street. Through a records check Wright learned the registered owner of the vehicle had an outstanding warrant. He noticed the driver of the vehicle matched the description of the fugitive. Trooper Wright pulled in behind the car, activated his lights and made contact with the three occupants. Initially two of the three provided false identifying information but with the assistance of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department all three were properly identified. 45 year old Lyndon Emery and 34 year old Jassamyn Fredrick of Indianapolis were both found to be wanted on outstanding warrants. A search of the vehicle and the belongings of the occupants revealed suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and heroine. Also inside the vehicle officers located a variety of prescription pills and syringes. The third occupant, 29 year old Machelle Cagle of Indianapolis, was also arrested. All three face preliminary drug charges.
While assisting with Trooper Wright’s investigation, Trooper David Taflinger received information there were two more occupants in the vehicle that left the scene on foot just before officers arrived. Taflinger left to check the area to look for the two people. While patrolling the area Taflinger saw a vehicle driving with no tail lights. He pulled the car over in the 800 block of S. Warman Ave. When he exited his car the vehicle sped off leading him on a pursuit, the suspect vehicle eventually struck Stop Sticks deployed by Sgt. Tim James of the Indiana State Police near Lynhurst and Minnesota Street. Shortly after striking the tire deflation device the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree at the intersection of Lynhurst and Caven. The driver fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later by IMPD. The passenger, who surrendered at the scene, refused to identify himself to officers. Once again, with the help of IMPD he was identified as 19 year old Brandon Lopez of Indianapolis. The driver was identified as 19 year old Chancellor O’Neal. A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun, narcotics suspected of being LSD, Xanax, Cocaine and Marijuana. O’neal and Lopez were arrested on various drug and gun charges, in addition O’neal was arrested for resisting law enforcement with a vehicle. The two people in this vehicle were not related to the earlier investigation at the gas station.
The charges listed are merely accusations, actual charges will be determined by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.