When the probation department requested an officer search the home of a man on probation for a meth conviction, the man allegedly crushed a glass pipe in his hand and threw it into the toilet, then struggled with the officer, trying to avoid being handcuffed.

Erik Keith Tosti, 43, Linton, was arrested by Officer Adam King of the Linton Police Department last Wednesday, January 27, following an investigation and struggle with LPD Chief Paul Clark.

Tosti was on probation as a result of a conviction in Martin County for possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, and his Probation Officer Patrick Hillenburg of the Greene County Probation Department had been trying to contact him, without success.

Around 2:20 p.m. last Wednesday, LPD Chief Clark was asked to assist in making contact with Tosti so he responded to Tosti’s residence on F Street NE. When Chief Clark talked to Tosti, he asked him to call his probation officer. During their conversation, Tosti was informed by Officer Hillenburg that Chief Clark was going to execute a search of Tosti’s residence on behalf of Officer Hillenburg. One of the conditions of Tosti’s probation is that his residence can be searched.

Chief Clark said that Tosti walked with him as he began the search and he appeared calm and collected. But when Chief Clark found a glass smoking pipe wrapped in an orange handkerchief that was shoved between a couch cushion and an arm rest, he set the pipe down on the couch, and Tosti’s demeanor changed. According to Chief Clark, Tosti became agitated and defensive and appeared more intense. Back up was requested.

As Chief Clark was contacting LPD dispatch, Tosti walked past the officer and back into the living room. He was ordered to come back to where Chief Clark was, and when Clark finished his communications, Tosti allegedly walked past him quickly and Clark could hear the sound of crushing glass coming from Tosti’s hands.

Tosti allegedly walked into the bathroom and violently threw the contents of his hand into the toilet and flushed it. Clark attempted to restrain him but Tosti pulled his arms away and tried to walk away. After a struggle, Tosti was handcuffed right before LPD Officer Adam King arrived on the scene and assumed control of Tosti.

When the search was continued, Clark allegedly found a small plastic baggie containing a white crystal substance – it field-tested positive as methamphetamine.

Clark attempted to locate glass in or near the toilet but he was not successful. However, he did find blood on the toilet seat and Tosti had a small cut and blood on his left hand.

Tosti was arrested and transported to the Greene County Jail where he was initially held without bond pending court appearance.

A new case was filed against Tosti and he has been charged with:

Possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony,
Obstruction of justice – knowingly or intentionally induces by threat, a Level 6 felony, and
Resisting law enforcement – knowingly or intentionally forcibly resists, a Class A misdemeanor.