LAWRENCE CO. – Two individuals were arrested on January 2, 2025, after a routine traffic stop uncovered a stolen vehicle, illegal narcotics, and hypodermic syringes in Lawrence County. Markeith Brown of Bloomington, Indiana, and McKenzie Sater of Bloomfield face criminal charges following the incident.
The events began around 3:06 a.m. when Captain Harrison Fleetwood of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department was on patrol on State Road 37 near the Salt Creek Bridge in Bedford. Captain Fleetwood was alerted by Flock Safety Cameras that a silver Subaru with Indiana license plate CJR464, reported stolen, was heading southbound on SR 37. Fleetwood pulled the vehicle over and identified the two occupants—Brown, the driver, and Sater, the passenger.
Upon speaking with the duo, Brown claimed the vehicle belonged to his roommate, “Sarah,” but could not provide her last name. However, the registration for the vehicle revealed the car was registered to Sarah Loos, whose vehicle had been reported stolen in Bloomington on January 1, 2025. Police learned from Bloomington Police Officer Katie Tiernan that Sarah Loos had permitted a friend named Angela to use the car but had not authorized anyone else to drive it. Loos had only recently been discharged from the hospital and immediately reported the vehicle missing upon her return home.
While verifying the stolen vehicle report, Captain Fleetwood asked the occupants to remain in the car. A search of Brown’s and Sater’s personal information revealed that Sater had active civil warrants, prompting further investigation.
After returning to the vehicle to inventory its contents, officers discovered illegal substances. Under the driver’s seat, officers found a clear zip-lock bag containing cocaine, weighing approximately 1 gram, and a separate bag containing methamphetamine, weighing around 4.4 grams. Additionally, multiple hypodermic syringes were located near the passenger seat.
When asked about the drugs and syringes found in the vehicle, Brown reportedly denied any knowledge of the items. Both Brown and Sater were transported without incident to the Lawrence County Jail. The stolen Subaru was towed to Blands Wrecker Service.
Brown is facing the following charges:
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Cocaine/Narcotic Drug
- Possession of Hypodermic Syringe
- Auto Theft with Prior Conviction
Sater is facing charges of:
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Hypodermic Syringe
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
