Just after midnight on September 11th, Indiana State Police Sgt. Greg Day conducted a traffic stop along Avoca-Eureka Road on a 2019 Dodge Journey for a speeding violation. The driver was identified as Zachary M. Wood, 42, of Old Schoolhouse Lane, Williams, Indiana.
Wood’s license was found to be suspended.
While inventorying the vehicle for impound, Sgt. Day discovered that Wood was in possession of approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Captain Troy Loboski and Officer Jordan Wheelock both assisted Sgt. Day during the stop. Wood was not arrested at the time pending further investigation.
On the morning of September 12th, Sgt. Day, Trp. Chris Griggs, Trp. Caleb Garvin, and a DES detective traveled to Wood’s address. Evidence showed there were people inside the residence, however, no one would answer the door. Sgt. Day then submitted a probable cause affidavit for the arrest of Wood for the offense of Possession of Methamphetamine (over 5 grams, but less than 10 grams – Level 5 Felony).
The warrant was issued while troopers were still at the residence.
While awaiting the warrant, Troopers Griggs and Garvin spoke to the occupant of an apartment on a detached garage on the same property. The overwhelming odor of raw marijuana could be detected coming from that garage. Troopers asked for consent to search the garage and apartment but were denied.
Trp. Griggs then applied for and received a search warrant for that separate garage and apartment.
Once troopers had the arrest warrant for Wood, they made entry into the residence and located Wood, along with two other occupants inside. While Wood was being placed into custody for the warrant, troopers detected the odor of burnt marijuana inside.
A separate search warrant was applied for and obtained for Wood’s residence.
During the search of the residence and subsequent interviews, evidence that Wood was dealing methamphetamine was obtained. In addition, marijuana, syringes, and drug paraphernalia was discovered.
During the search of the separate garage and apartment, troopers located a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also located a marijuana grow operation. 15 marijuana plants were discovered, which had been grown in the garage, currently drying while hanging from the ceiling.
The following individuals were arrested:
Zachary M. Wood – (Jailed)
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Over 5 grams, Less than 10 grams), Level 5 Felony
- Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony
David W. Henderson (40 yrs old Old Schoolhouse Lane, Williams, IN) – (cited and released)
- Cultivating Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
A case report has been submitted to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office for review and more arrests and or charges are possible.
Anyone with illegal drug information is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
