On August 13, 2017 at approximately 8:23 a.m,, Indiana State Police dispatch received a report of a driver operating a red Ford very erratically on I-65 traveling north from the 212 mile marker.
This is approximately 3 miles south of the Rensselaer exit.
Trooper Martin Benner was in the area and able to locate the suspect vehicle as it passed him.
Trooper Benner proceeded to follow the vehicle and observe the driver operating the vehicle erratically as reported.
Driving behavior included weaving lane to lane, driving off the shoulder and braking for no apparent reason.
A traffic stop was initiated at the 220 mile marker. This is at the exit for Fair Oaks. The driver was identified as Christopher L. Elston, 38, of Valparaiso, IN.
Further investigation resulted in a consensual search of the vehicle being performed. During this search, a plastic bag was located with a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
The amount of Methamphetamine located in the vehicle weighed 48.1 grams. Additional drug use paraphernalia, including a hypodermic needle, was also located in the vehicle.
Elston was incarcerated in the Jasper County Jail. His charges include Dealing in Methamphetamine-Level 2 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine-Level 3 Felony, Possession of Hypodermic Needle-Level 6 Felony, Possession of Paraphernalia- Class A Misdemeanor. He is currently being held without bond to make an initial appearance in Jasper County Court on 8/14/2017.
