BEDFORD – On March 20, 2024, a Mitchell man was transported to IU Health Bedford and then flown to Methodist Hospital after he allegedly swallowed meth during a traffic stop.
Police arrested 40-year-old Kristapher Canfield on charges of possession of meth over five grams, possession of a legend drug, possession of marijuana, two counts of obstruction of justice, resisting arrest and trafficking with an inmate, trafficking with an inmate, and possession of marijuana.
His passenger, 33-year-old Kendra Banks of Heltonville, is facing charges of possession of meth and marijuana.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on that day, Lawrence County Police Sheriff’s Department Andrew Tillett was patrolling on Mitchell Road when he stopped Canfield, who was driving a Lincoln passenger car. The license plate on the vehicle was out. Canfield then failed to use a turn signal when changing lanes.
While speaking to Canfield and Banks, the officer could smell the odor of marijuana emanating from the car. When asked if they had marijuana, Canfield said he had smoked some before getting into the vehicle.
Officer Brenten Trueblood arrived on the scene to assist.
Both Banks and Canfield were asked to step out of the vehicle. When Banks exited the car, officers noticed a burnt marijuana cigarette in her hand and watched her place it in the seat.
Banks said she was cold and was placed in the back seat of Officer Trueblood’s vehicle.
While searching the car, police found a marijuana cigarette in a driver’s side cup holder. Inside Bank’s purse, police found a mirror with meth residue.
Canfield then admitted he had more marijuana in his shoe.
Officers also found six sealed bags of suboxone strips for which Canfield did not have a subscription.
While speaking to Canfield, officers noticed he was hiding something under his tongue. He had a burnt marijuana cigarette in his mouth.
Officers asked Canfield if he had anything else on him. He said no.
Both were transported to jail.
While at the jail, Canfield entered the body scanner, reached inside his crouch area, and pulled out a baggie. He then placed that in his mouth in an attempt to swallow it.
Officer Trueblood and the jailers grabbed Canfield in an attempt to stop him from swallowing the drug. He resisted. A large amount of crystal meth was located in the area that had fallen out of Canfield’s mouth. Police were able to recover approximately 6.85 grams.
Police armed with warrants took Canfield and Banks’ cell phones. On Banks’ cell phone, she texted someone about Canfield hiding the meth on his person.
Canfield was transported by ambulance from the jail to IU Health Bedford Hospital and then flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital for treatment due to the unknown amount of meth he had ingested.
Canfield also was issued citations for the license plate light violation and failure to use his turn signal.
