Over the weekend, several drug arrests were made by Scott County Sheriff’s Deputies.
During the late shift on Friday, February 12, 2016, deputies received information that activity, consistent with drug activity, was taking place at 150 Blunt Avenue in Austin, IN.
Deputies along with officers from the Austin Police Department responded to that address and made contact with the occupants of the residence.
While speaking with the occupants, it was learned that there was a camper also being occupied on the property.
Deputies responded to the camper and made contact with a LarryM. Burnett, age 43, and a Christine N. Smith, age 29.
While speaking with the pair, deputies located a hypodermicsyringe lying on a shelf inside of the camper.
Deputies investigated further and located more hypodermic syringes, marijuana, paraphernalia associated with intravenousdrug use, and heroin, inside of the camper.
Chief Deputy Don Campbell, who was out during the late shift assisting deputies, described that one of the syringes was “loaded” for use.
Burnett and Smith were both arrested charged with possession of a narcotic drug, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and for visiting a common nuisance.
On Sunday, February, 14, 2016, a Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1994 Tan Buick near Marshfield Road and Slab Road.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as John B. Watts, age 35.
It was discovered that Watts had a warrant out for his arrest through Scott County for strangulation. Watts was asked to step out of the vehicle and initially refused the deputy’s command.
Watts then stepped out and began resisting by pulling away from the deputy and then fled on foot. Watts was subdued by an ECW (electronic control weapon) and subsequently taken in to custody.
The vehicle was occupied by a passenger identified as Renea C. Clark, age 32. Inside of the vehicle, deputies located two handguns, ammunition, paraphernalia associated with drug use and drug dealing, and approximately 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Watts and Clark were both placed under arrest by Scott County Sheriff’s Deputies. Watts is being charged with resisting law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a handgun without a permit, and possession of paraphernalia.
Clark is being charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a handgun without a permit, and possession ofparaphernalia.
All subjects arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Chief Campbell explains that the Sheriff’s Office has received an overwhelming submission of tips from the public.
Chief Campbell encourages the citizens of Scott County tocontinue their efforts in reporting criminal activity and explainsthat a great number of recent drug arrests are adirect result of deputies investigating the tips received.
Report any suspicious activity, including drug activity, to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office maintains several options for reporting criminal activity anonymously, including the department’s website, Facebookpage, and a tip line, 1.812.752.7898.
