Local man arrested after allegedly trying to hide marijuana under police car

A Columbus man was arrested Sunday morning on a number of charges, including drunk driving and possession of marijuana.

Judy Jackson, spokesperson for the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, says that at 12:47 a.m., Deputy Leah Burton was patrolling on northbound US 31 when she saw a vehicle traveling in the right lane,

Miguel Angel Martinez-Maltos; Photo courtesy of the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Dept.
Miguel Angel Martinez-Maltos; Photo courtesy of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Dept.

but over the yellow line. When the vehicle turned westbound onto Lewis Place, Deputy Burton pulled it over. When she spoke with the driver, Miguel Angel Martinez-Maltos, 25, the deputy reported a strong odor of alcohol and saw open bottles on the floor board. Martinez-Maltos also allegedly confessed to never obtaining a driver’s license. During the stop, Deputy Burton also reportedly saw Martinez-Maltos attempting to kick a baggie, believed to contain marijuana, under her patrol car.

The deputy retrieved the baggie and arrested Martinez-Maltos on preliminary charges of Possession of Marijuana, Operating without Ever Receiving a License and Operating while Intoxicated. The Sheriff’s Department says that he has since been released on $8,500 bond.