Traffic Stop Leads To Meth Bust Multiple incidents near Warsaw landed several in jail on methamphetamine-related charges. At approximately 12:40 a.m. Wednesday, Warsaw police observed a silver minivan traveling east on Winona Avenue with the rear hatch open and no visible license plate. A traffic stop was initiated on Wooster Road, and the driver and multiple passengers were interviewed. The driver, Shanelle D. Byrer, 18, of 602 S. McClellan St., Warsaw, was asked for her driver’s license and registration. She could not produce a license and eventually admitted that she had never received a driver’s license. While looking for a form of identification, Byrer dumped her purse and officers observed a clear plastic baggy containing a white powdery substance. The substance field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also, in her cigarette pack, was a burnt glass tube with burnt residue on it. Byrer was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and driving never having an operator’s license. A passenger in the vehicle, Mary Jean Howard, 44, same address, was showing the contents of her purse to officers when she opened her pocket book. Inside was a clear plastic baggy containing a white powdery substance, which also field tested positive for methamphetamine. Mary Jean Howard also was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine. A male passenger in the minivan could not produce identification and provided a false name to the officers. A search of the minivan produced a wallet with identification for Troy D. Howard, 45, same address. Officers determined there were two active warrants for Troy D. Howard for child support with a $53,000 cash bond. He was arrested on the warrants and also charged with false informing. A 2-year-old child was also in the minivan and Child Protective Services was notified. The child was released to a family member. Warsaw Police were assisted by Winona Lake Police and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.
Sting Leads To Meth In another incident Wednesday night, undercover Warsaw Police Department officers received information that an individual was manufacturing and selling methamphetamine on Smith Street, Warsaw, across from Lakeview Middle School. Undercover officers set up a sting and purchased methamphetamine from Michael P. Hackworth, 36, Warsaw, at the Smith Street location. Hackworth was immediately taken into custody. Officers located finished methamphetamine product and precursors to the manufacture of methamphetamine. The investigation then led to a trailer at Suburban Acres Mobile Home Park, north of Warsaw, where several active meth labs were located. Indiana State Police and Warsaw Police meth lab cleanup teams were called and disposed of the labs. Hackworth was charged with class A felony dealing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. Additional charges may be filed. WPD was assisted by the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Kosciusko County Drug Task Force and the Indiana State Police.
