Attentive Trooper leads to arrest of a local man on drug charges

A Columbus man is facing drug charges after an alert Indiana State Police (ISP) Trooper become suspicious of possible illegal activity.

ISP Spokesman Sgt. Stephen Wheeles says that the investigation by Trooper Robert Hutson began at about 5 p.m. Monday when he stopped

Errick M. Rutherford
Errick M. Rutherford

29-year-old Errick M. Rutherford, who was riding a bicycle near Pence Calla and State Streets in Columbus. While speaking with Rutherford, Trp. Hutson says he became suspicious of criminal activity. Wheeles says that the Trooper asked for permission from Rutherford to search the backpack he was carrying. After reportedly receiving permission from Rutherford, Trp. Hutson allegedly found items associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine in the backpack.

Rutherford was arrested on Possession of Methamphetamine Precursors with Intent to Manufacture, a Level 6 Felony and then booked in the Bartholomew County Jail. ISP say that Rutherford is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in Bartholomew Circuit Court.