MITCHELL – A warrant service attempt on Monday, February 10th, in the 2200 block of Felknor Road culminated in a multi-hour standoff and the arrests of three individuals on drug, weapons, and warrant charges.
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police officers arrived at the residence to serve warrants on Franklin Banks, 55, of Mitchell. Banks was wanted in Lawrence County for failure to register as a sex offender and in Martin County for offenses including possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and theft.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Lewis George, 52, also of Mitchell, who was found to have a nationwide extradition felony warrant from Arizona. George was immediately taken into custody.
Officers were informed that Banks was in the basement and allegedly armed. After other occupants exited the residence, a perimeter was established, and officers attempted communication with Banks via intercom, urging a peaceful surrender. The Indiana State Police, including a negotiator, and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded to the scene. A search warrant for the residence was obtained.
After several hours of unsuccessful communication attempts, officers entered the residence and found Banks hiding. He was arrested on the outstanding warrants. A loaded handgun was located nearby. Officers detected the odor of marijuana and observed suspected methamphetamine in plain view. A second search warrant was obtained, targeting drugs. The search yielded marijuana, drug paraphernalia, over seven ounces of methamphetamine, and other items associated with drug trafficking.
As a result of the investigation, homeowner Tammy Still, 60, of Mitchell, was also arrested.
The following arrests were made:
- Franklin Banks: Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, Level 4 felony, dealing methamphetamine over 10 grams, a Level 2 felony, possession of methamphetamine over 28 grams, a Level 3 felony, possession of marijuana with prior conviction, a Class A misdemeanor, possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor, Lawrence County warrant for failure to register, and Martin County warrant.
- Tammy Still: Dealing methamphetamine over 10 grams, a Level 2 felony, possession of methamphetamine over 28 grams, a Level 3 felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.
- Lewis George: Arizona warrant.
All three were incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail. Authorities encourage anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s tip line, or submit a tip through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s App or by email to drugactivity@lawrencecounty.in.gov. All tips are confidential.
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.
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