Leaving the scene of an accident after crashing into a utility pole resulted in the Sept. 21 arrest of a 47-year-old Linton man.

Jeremy Jason Collins was arrested Sept. 21 on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident; however, after officers spoke with Collins and searched his person, charges of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana were added.

Around 11:34 a.m. on Sept. 21, Greene County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Andrew Shelton received a call from Dispatch regarding a male – later identified as Collins – who had struck a utility pole on County Road 1500 West in Linton. While en route, Shelton was contacted by Linton Police Department Officer Davis Aerne who was headed to the same location. According to the probable cause affidavit, while en route, Aerne said he passed a blue Ford F150 with front-end damage. Aerne located the truck and Collins at Lakeside Body Shop in Linton. Deputy Shelton and Deputy James Carpenter met Aerne at the body shop.

According to the probable cause affidavit, prepared by Deputy Shelton, Collins alleged he had rescued a box turtle from the roadway earlier in the day. He said he was driving with it on his lap but when it fell off his lap, he swerved to retrieve it, striking the utility pole. He said he believed his truck called and reported the crash upon hitting the pole; however, Deputy Carpenter advised him the accident was not reported. It was mentioned in the probable cause that Collins did not have insurance on the truck.

After speaking with Collins, he was transported to Greene County Jail. Upon arrival, he was searched before booking. During the search, according to the probable cause affidavit, a crystal-like white substance wrapped in white paper was located in his sock. The substance later field-tested positive for methamphetamine. He allegedly admitted to having a marijuana cigarette in his possession, which was located in his pocket.

He was initially held without bond; however, after his initial hearing in Greene Superior Court on Sept. 25, his bond was set at $10,000 surety with 10% cash allowed.