WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Logansport man stopped for driving the wrong way on a one-way street early Sunday (Feb. 15) is facing alcohol and drug-related charges.
Thomas S. Vernon, 23, has been charged with operating while intoxicated, dealing in marijuana, possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance. He is not a Purdue student.
According to a report, Purdue police patrol officer Travis Neal saw Vernon turn east from Grant Street onto State Street around 3:45 a.m. Sunday. At that location, Grant Street is open only to westbound traffic. Vernon was stopped for driving the wrong way, and he was initially arrested for suspicion of drunken driving.
One small bag of marijuana was later found in Vernon’s shoe, said Purdue police detective Sgt. Carrie Costello. Two additional bags of marijuana were discovered in the trunk of his 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, she said. The bags contained a total of about three pounds of marijuana, according to the police report. A person in possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana or allegedly selling it can be charged with dealing.
Three of the charges – the dealing and possession of marijuana charges and maintaining a common nuisance – are Class D felonies punishable by up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
