A 54-year-old Linton man was arrested Jan. 23 on a warrant for possession of a narcotic drug and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license following a Jan. 19 incident.

On Jan. 19, Linton Police Department (LPD) Officer Jerrad Pirtle initiated a traffic stop on a red Dodge Ram driven by Carl Romine. According to the probable cause affidavit, Romine’s truck had just one functioning tail light and the license plate light wasn’t working. Romine provided Pirtle with an identification card instead of a driver’s license. 

 As Romine exited the car, Pirtle asked if anything illegal was inside. Romine alleged there wasn’t anything illegal inside the vehicle and told Pirtle he could look inside. 

Pirtle and LPD Officer Mitchell Eberhardt searched the vehicle. Per the probable cause affidavit, Eberhardt located a fake plastic bolt. After unscrewing the head of the bolt, it revealed a small compartment that allegedly appeared to have a white residue inside. 

Officers attempted to field test the substance at the scene. According to the probable cause affidavit, it field-tested negative for methamphetamine. The field test for cocaine appeared to be positive; however, officers were unsure of the results due to snow and lighting in the area in which the test was performed. While Romine was released from the scene, officers took the bolt to the police department for further investigation. At the police department, the substance on the bolt was re-tested and, according to the probable cause affidavit, field-tested positive for cocaine. It was sent to the Indiana State Lab for further testing. 

A warrant was issued for Romine’s arrest on charges of possession of a narcotic drug, a Level 6 Felony, and knowing or intentionally operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license, a Class C Misdemeanor, on Jan. 22. 

He was arrested on Jan. 23 by Linton Police Department Officer JR Blazier. He was transported to Greene County Jail where he was held without bond until his initial court appearance on Jan. 25. At that time, his bond was set at $25,000 surety with 10% cash allowed.