Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LEESBURG - Officers in the right place at the right time helped thwart production of methamphetamines in Kosciusko County Friday.
Four men and a woman were arrested in the process.
According to Indiana State Police Trooper Chad Larsh, at approximately 4 a.m. Friday, he and Trooper Joe McLaughlin detected the strong odor of ether in the area of 4615 Ind. 13N, Leesburg. After further observation, the troopers saw a vehicle leave the residence and had enough probable cause to stop it.
In the vehicle were Paul Edward Vines, 21, of 409 Depot St., Bristol, and Keith Barton Baker, 29, of 11958 N. Sir Gallahad, Cromwell, and multiple ingredients used in making methamphetamine as well as the final product. Baker also had a handgun in his possession without a license.
Vines was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on charges of possession of a precursor to methamphetamines. Keith Baker was charged with possession of precursors to methamphetamines, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm. Both men also will be charged with operating an illegal drug lab for the manufacture of a controlled substance.
After the traffic stop, officers obtained a search warrant for the Leesburg residence. There, they found numerous propane tanks containing ammonia anhydrous, approximately 30 homemade ACL generators, starter fluid cans, hoses and salt.
James Edward Baker, 34, of 4615 Ind. 13N, Leesburg, was charged with visiting a common nuisance, with bond set at $250. Randall Warren Baker, 30, same address, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, bond set at $2,000. And Eva L. Baker, 27, same address, was charged with possession of a precursor to methamphetamines. Her bond was set at $2,000.
Eva and Randall Baker, husband and wife, will be charged with neglect of a dependents, according to Larsh. There were approximately five children in the house.
James, Eva and Randall Baker also will be charged with the illegal use of a scanner to evade police.
The investigation into this case continues. The ISP were assisted by the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force.
In another case Thursday night, Roger Coleman, of 9546 Wawasee Lane, Syracuse, was charged with operating an illegal drug lab, possession of marijuana and possession of a paraphernalia, and was arrested on three active warrants from three counties, resisting law enforcement, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of illegal storage containers for ammonia anhydrous. Officers involved in that bust include ISP Troopers McLaughlin, Larsh, Todd Bailey, Neil Hodges, Syracuse Police Department Officer Scott Hand, Avilla Police Department Officer Glenn Wills and Kosciusko County Sheriff Department deputies Craig Bale and Sean Castillo.
According to Larsh, the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Teams were called in to dismantle both drug labs.
