DRUG INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN ARREST OF COLUMBUS MAN

A traffic stop conducted by the Indiana State Police Tuesday evening, January 20th, led to the arrest of a Columbus man on drug-related charges.

Trooper Logan McDowell, while conducting a patrol, initiated a traffic stop on a white 2016 Jeep in Oolitic after he observed several traffic violations. He activated his emergency lights and conducted the traffic stop. During the traffic stop and with assistance from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, including their K9 Boone, he initiated a roadside investigation into possible possession of controlled substances. Based upon probable cause, Trooper McDowell applied for and was granted a search warrant for an Oolitic residence located in the 800 block of Smith Avenue.

McDowell, with assistance from several law enforcement officers, executed the search warrant at the Smith Avenue residence. During the search of the residence, approximately 211 grams of suspected methamphetamine and paraphernalia were located and seized. A male subject, identified as Dakota Austin Wesley Stinson, Age 31, of Columbus, was arrested without incident. Stinson was transported to the Lawrence County Jail where his custody was transferred for the following charges:

  • Dealing Methamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony
  • Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, a Level 6 Felony


All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.