New Castle – Last night about 9:45 p.m. Pendleton Trooper Nick Razor was driving through New Castle when he got behind a Chevrolet Avalanche on 21st St. that had an expired plate.  He stopped the vehicle just north of Lincoln on 21st.

After speaking with the driver, Donald Bell, 50, of New Castle, Razor became suspicious.  New Castle Officer Brandi Patton, who was nearby with her K-9 partner Max, stopped to assist.  A search was conducted and with the help of Max officers located over forty tablets believed to be Xanax along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Bell was lodged in the Henry County Jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class “D” Felony, and Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, both “A” Misdemeanors.  His bond was set at $8500. 

Earlier this week, on Monday night, New Castle Police Department’s K-9 Max located cocaine in an SUV that Razor had stopped for failing to signal a turn.

Anyone with information about illegal drug use may call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.