Traffic stop in Salem lands Bedford man in jail on drug and firearm charges

SALEM – Indiana State Police Troopers arrested a Bedford man on multiple charges Monday night after a traffic stop in Salem.

Late Monday evening, Trooper Kyle Taylor and Probationary Trooper Caleb Strange stopped a blue Ford Focus in Salem for a potential protection order violation. After stopping the car, officers observed alleged drugs in plain view while speaking with the occupants.

During the stop, the rear-seat passenger, who was eventually identified as 30-year-old Dakota Wesley Stinson, refused to identify himself and gave a false name when first questioned. As the investigation continued, officers stated they observed Stinson attempt to destroy evidence and later learned Dakota Stinson was wanted on a warrant out in Lawrence County for possession of meth. During the investigation, officers also located a stolen handgun on Stinson.

Officers placed Dakota Stinson into custody without further incident. Stinson was incarcerated at the Washington County Jail and is preliminarily charged with the following dealing meth, dealing a narcotic drug, possession of meth and a narcotic drug, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felony, theft of a firearm, obstruction of justice, false information and the warrant in Lawrence County.

Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.