Staff Report

Heather Leeann West

Michael Joseph Locke Jr.

WARSAW — Two people were arrested in Kosciusko County after a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of drugs.

Heather Leeann West, 32, 1503 Green Hill Drive, Warsaw, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

Michael Joseph Locke Jr., 53, 4055 E. Pierceton Road, Pierceton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and obstruction of justice, both level 6 felonies.

On Nov. 2, an Indiana State Police trooper was patrolling in the Barbee Lake area when he saw a vehicle with a deteriorated muffler and pulled it over. West was driving the vehicle and Locke was a passenger.

According to court documents, the trooper learned West had outstanding warrants in Kosciusko County. When troopers told Locke to exit the vehicle, they noticed Locke had a plastic wrapper in his mouth and then threw the wrapper toward the vehicle’s dashboard.

A K9 unit at the scene alerted to illegal drugs in the vehicle. Locke told troopers the plastic wrapper “would probably” test positive for meth.

West said the wrapper contained meth and admitted to using meth about 30 minutes prior to being pulled over.

Troopers administered field tests to West since she appeared to be under the influence. Certified chemical test results are pending.

While being booked in the Kosciusko County Jail, officers found a bag containing meth on West’s person.

Locke has already been arrested and released on bond. West has been arrested and released on her own recognizance.