Multiple baggies allegedly containing methamphetamine and multiple firearms were seized during a traffic stop in Linton last Thursday that stemmed from erratic driving behavior.

Joseph Jerald Wootan, 28, Bloomington, was arrested by Officer Janzen Franklin of the Linton Police Department early last Thursday, August 5.

Wootan was the driver of a 2012 Dodge Ram that was stopped by Officer Franklin around 4 a.m. last Thursday for crossing the center line. Prior to the traffic stop, LPD Dispatch had received a report about the driving behavior of the same Dodge Ram.

During the first part of the stop, Wootan was asked to exit the truck while Officer Franklin investigated possible driving while intoxicated, but Officer Franklin said he saw no other signs of impairment. However, a records check revealed Wootan did not have a valid driver’s license. His license was suspended as of late June when he was convicted of driving while suspended in another county.

Since he did not have a valid license, the truck was going to be towed and while retrieving items out of the truck for Wootan, Officer Franklin saw a loaded Chiappa 17 caliber revolver stuffed in the back of the driver’s seat and he also saw a loaded Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun behind the driver’s seat.

Wooten allegedly admitted he did not have a handgun license.

Officers assisting on the scene included Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy Devan Goad and Deputy Zachary Goad. Officer Franklin said Deputy Devan Goad proceeded to give a courtesy transport to Wootan to a residence on 7th Street NE in Linton but when Deputy Zachary Goad and Officer Franklin executed the required vehicle inventory, they found other questionable items.

Officer Franklin reported they found a plastic bag containing a white crystal substance that field-tested positive as methamphetamine and at that point, Deputy Devan Goad was asked to bring Wootan back to the scene.

Then officers located more weapons including a Savage Model 11 .270 and a KelTech G17 40 caliber. They also found a suppressor and multiple other parts of guns.

In addition, they found multiple bags containing a white crystal substance, a black digital scale, multiple ink pen tubes and a black Rockstar energy drink can that had been modified to conceal items. Inside the drink can they found a bag containing a white crystal residue and a white ink pen tube.

When Wootan was returned to the scene, he was taken into custody and asked about the items. He allegedly said he uses his truck as a company truck and he’s not the only one who drives the truck.

Wootan’s cellular devices were seized, and Officer Franklin requested a search warrant for the devices.

According to Officer Franklin, Wootan’s criminal record includes multiple felony convictions within the last 15 years that include felony dealing in marijuana and possession of cocaine.

Wootan was booked into the Greene County Jail at 6:31 a.m. He was being held without bond pending court appearance.

Wootan has been charged with:

Possession of methamphetamine in an amount between five and 10 grams, a Level 5 felony,
Felon carrying a handgun – defendant has a prior felony conviction within the last 15 years, a Level 5 felony,
Driving while suspended – a knowing violation with a prior conviction within 10 years, a Class A misdemeanor, and
Possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.