ORANGE CO. – An 18-year-old man from Paoli was arrested late Monday night after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and charges of resisting law enforcement.
Trooper Noah Ewing was patrolling the French Lick area on State Road 56 when he observed a Cadillac passenger car with an improper license plate display. At approximately 10:05 p.m., Trooper Ewing initiated a traffic stop on the driver, Dean Cox.
During their interaction, Trooper Ewing noted several indicators of potential criminal activity and requested that Cox exit the vehicle. However, Cox became hostile and refused to comply with the officer’s commands. A brief struggle ensued, resulting in Cox being subdued and placed in handcuffs.
Upon searching Cox, officers discovered suspected methamphetamine. Additionally, Cox exhibited visible signs of impairment, prompting the trooper to transport him to IU Health Hospital in Paoli for a chemical test.
Following the medical evaluation, Cox was taken to the Orange County Jail on charges including:
- Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 3 felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor
- Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, a Class C misdemeanor
Trooper Noah Ewing was the arresting officer in the case, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
