Bedford Man Arrested for Drugs and Stolen Firearm

Troopers arrested a Bedford, Indiana man on multiple charges late Monday night, March 17, after a traffic stop in Salem.

Late Monday evening, March 17, Trooper Kyle Taylor and Probationary Trooper Caleb Strange stopped a blue Ford Focus in Salem for a potential protection order violation. After stopping the car, officers observed alleged drugs in plain view while speaking with the occupants. During the stop, the rear-seat passenger, who was eventually identified as 30-year-old Dakota Wesley Stinson of Bedford, Indiana, refused to identify himself and gave a false name when first questioned. As the investigation continued, officers stated they observed Stinson attempt to destroy evidence and later learned Dakota Stinson was wanted on a warrant out of Lawrence County, Indiana. During the investigation, officers also located a stolen handgun on Stinson.

Officers placed Dakota Stinson into custody without further incident. Stinson was incarcerated at the Washington County Jail and is preliminarily charged with the following:

• Dealing Methamphetamine - Level 3 Felony

• Dealing a Narcotic Drug - Level 3 felony

• Possession of Methamphetamine - Level 5 Felony

• Possession of a Narcotic Drug - Level 5 Felony

• Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon - Level 4 Felony

• Theft of a Firearm - Level 5 Felony

• Obstruction of Justice Level 6 Felony

• False informing B misdemeanor

• Warrant out of Lawrence County for Possession of Methamphetamine