By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

Philip Ryan Shriver

WARSAW — A South Bend man will serve seven years in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and drugs.

Philip Ryan Shriver, 39, South Bend, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, a level 4 felony; and possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony. Eight additional criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Shriver was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, July 8.

For unlawful possession of a firearm, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Shriver to six years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Shriver also received a one-year DOC sentence for meth possession, with both of Shriver’s charges to be served back-to-back. The sentence will also be served back-to-back to a 12-year DOC sentence Shriver received in Marshall County for meth possession.

Reed recommended Shriver for participation in Recovery While Incarcerated.

At sentencing, Prosecutor Brad Voelz said Shriver has a long history with drugs and felony dishonesty. He noted Shriver had successfully completed probation before, but was not rehabilitated as he committed new crimes after that.

“Guns and drugs together is extremely concerning,” said Voelz.

Defense Attorney Isaiah Vanderpool said Shriver has a huge substance abuse problem and asked Reed to recommend Shriver for RWI.

Shriver said a relapse was what caused a “snowball effect” in his life.

“Relapse is a fancy term for starting to use drugs again,” said Reed. “It’s up to you to make the change.”

On July 23, 2022, a Warsaw Police officer noticed a vehicle drive left of center two times on Winona Avenue. The officer pulled the vehicle over and identified its driver as Shriver.

According to court documents, officers found drugs in the vehicle and a handgun.

Shriver is considered a serious violent felon, having been convicted of dealing meth in May 2020 in Marshall County.

On Aug. 8, 2022, emergency responders were called to a Warsaw residence for a possible drug overdose. A man said he discovered Shriver unresponsive in a bathroom and administered Narcan.

In the bathroom, local law enforcement found drug paraphernalia and bags used to distribute narcotics.

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