Centerville – Yesterday around 12:35 p.m. Pendleton K-9 Unit Shane Stephens was working crash reduction patrol on I-70 in Wayne County when he observed an east bound white Nissan change lanes repeatedly without using a signal.  Unsafe lane change is one of the leading causes of interstate crashes.

Stephens stopped the vehicle around the 143 mile marker.  After speaking with the driver, Stephens became suspicious and deployed his K-9 partner Jaxx for an open air sniff of the vehicle.  The dog did an exterior search and alerted on the vehicle.  Troopers Snyder and West arrived to assist and an interior search of the vehicle was conducted.

Troopers found a baggy in the car with suspected marijuana. Further investigation found the driver, Mark Cornelison, was driving the car while his license was suspended.  Cornelison, age 26 of Indianapolis, was lodged in the Wayne County Jail for Possession of Marijuana with a Previous Conviction, Class “D” Felony,

In addition Cornelison was charged with Possession of Marijuana under 30 grams, Class “A” Misdemeanor, and Driving while Suspended, Class “A” Misdemeanor. The Indiana State Police remain committed to reducing crashes in the state by monitoring the top causes for crashes and concentrating enforcement efforts on these causes. This traffic stop is also an example of how a routine traffic stop can lead to the discovery of criminal activity.

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