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Two men were taken into custody around noon Tuesday after police received an anonymous tip of possible drug activity at a local hotel.
Officers with the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team didn't even have time to set up surveillance of the room at the Hampton Inn in Warsaw when one of the suspects encountered one of the undercover officers at the front desk. The officer said he was familiar with the suspect and that the suspect also knew who he was.
The officer said he tried to detain 17-year-old Fernando Ramos of 1314 St. Mary's Drive, Winona Lake, and a shoving match ensued. A 911 call was made from the hotel and additional officers were dispatched to the scene.
Police said they knew Ramos was one of the people at the hotel because his car was parked outside and recognized by officers. One officer said he was aware that there were three active warrants for Ramos' arrest and planned to serve those.
While the officer was struggling with Ramos, a second suspect reportedly approached the area and was told by police to remain where he was. However, Ramos reportedly spoke to the other man in Spanish, telling him to flee. The other suspect, Osbaldo Jessie Cuevas, 25, of Aurora, Ill., ran from the hotel and was later apprehended in a weedy area behind Center Center.
A search of the room and of personal belongings reportedly dropped by Cuevas when he allegedly fled from police turned up an estimated 1 ounce of cocaine, a small amount of marijuana, about $2,500 cash, scales, plastic bags and clothing. It is believed the suspects were selling drugs from the room and that they had been there for two days.
"They had everything needed to package and sell," an officer said. "There was evidence of weighing, product and possible sales."
Although Ramos is a juvenile, the outstanding warrants had waivers moving the charges to adult court. The warrants were for illegal possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor (two counts) and possession of marijuana. Ramos also is charged with another count of possession of marijuana, possession of a narcotic drug/cocaine and resisting law enforcement. He is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail without bond.
Cuevas is charged with resisting/fleeing law enforcement and his bond was set at $250. Additional charges may be forthcoming against Cuevas and additional arrests are possible.
