COLUMBUS, Ind. – A Columbus resident is in custody for multiple drug offenses following a traffic stop Sunday night. The Columbus Police Department (CPD) pulled over a vehicle near Central Avenue and 12th Street for a moving violation at around 8:45 p.m.
During the traffic stop, a CPD service dog alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the car. The passenger, Dustin Cross, 38, started reaching into a bag and eventually pulled something out in his fist.
Officers asked him to exit the car and when he did they said he put something in his mouth. Believing it was drugs, officers tried to take control of the suspect and a brief struggle ensued.
Cross allegedly had something green inside of his mouth but refused to spit it out. Police later located a wad of green gum that supposedly had foil and fentanyl in it that they believed came from the suspect’s mouth. Other drugs and drug-related items were reportedly located inside a bag in the car.
He was arrested and transported to Columbus Regional Health for evaluation before being taken to Bartholomew County Jail where he was preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine (level 6 felony), possession of fentanyl (level 6 felony), obstruction of justice (level 6 felony), resisting law enforcement (A misdemeanor), and possession of paraphernalia (C misdemeanor).
The driver was released by officers at the scene. All charges against Cross are merely accusations and the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dustin Cross
