Brandon David Mettler

WARSAW — A Warsaw man was arrested recently for alleged possession of a narcotic drug and possession of chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.

Brandon David Mettler, 34, 3483 N. 100E Lot 2, Warsaw, was arrested Dec. 21, both charges are level 6 felonies

According to an affidavit of probable cause, filed Dec. 28, Warsaw Police Officer Gordon Allen observed a silver Dodge Caravan parked at a Warsaw pharmacy with a male passenger and female driver; both unresponsive. Looking into the vehicle, Allen reported seeing a soda can with the bottom cut off, along with a box of pseudoephedrine.

The officer stated in the affidavit the man was “bobbing up and down” as if trying to wake himself after falling forward in the seat. Allen stated his past training and experience made him suspect the male subject was under the influence of heroin.

Allen identified the passenger as Brandon David Mettler and proceeded to search the suspect. Allen found a large butane lighter, a glass smoking pipe and $4,000 in cash.

The Warsaw canine unit was brought in to search the vehicle and found a box of pseudoephedrine, a bottle of drain opener (sodium hydroxide) and a soda can with the bottom cut away containing a brownish residue that tested positive for heroin.

Mettler admitted to using heroin within the past 24 hours and stated he has been addicted to heroin for about six months and uses approximately $100 in heroin a day. He admitted to purchasing the pseudoephedrine and drain cleaner to trade for methamphetamine. Mettler reportedly uses the methamphetamine to help when coming “off” the heroin.

Mettler was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail and held on a $5,000 surety bond and $250 cash bond.