Failure to wear seatbelts sends three to jail

CLOVERDALE -- Indiana State Police arrested three people Friday on drug charges after a trooper spotted them not wearing seatbelts.

Trooper Colton Maynor was patrolling in Cloverdale, when he passed a vehicle going the opposite direction in which both the driver and a passenger were not wearing seatbelts.

Maynor watched the vehicle turn into a local business as he was attempting to turn around. The driver parked and immediately exited the vehicle, rushing inside the business, all before Maynor could speak with him.

The trooper was able to stop the passenger who was not wearing his seatbelt before he attempted to enter the business.

Additional Indiana State Police Troopers arrived at the scene, which allowed Maynor to go inside the business and locate the driver of the vehicle. The driver, Shylor K. Clark, 27, Spencer, was found inside the business and was immediately removed.

The passengers of the vehicle were identified as Jacob R. Cornwell, 24, of Bloomington, and Carissa D. Taylor, 26, of Bloomfield.

Officers conducted a vehicle search, during which they located a small caliber handgun, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

During the course of the investigation it was also discovered by the troopers that Clark had placed a bag of methamphetamine in the business while inside. Maynor located and took possession of the methamphetamine.

Clark was then read implied consent where he refused to take a chemical test. All three suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Putnam County Jail.

Clark was arrested for Level 5 felony felon in possession of a handgun, Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine, Class C misdemeanor driving under the influence, Class A misdemeanor possession of marijuana and Class A misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

The troopers also served an Owen County warrant on Clark for multiple charges.

Cornwell and Taylor were each arrested for Class A misdemeanor possession of marijuana and Class A misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

Indiana State Police Troopers assisting in the investigation were Trooper James Crisp and Trooper Andrew Mattern, also assisting was the Cloverdale Police Department.

Anyone with illegal drug activity information is encouraged to contact Indiana State Police Putnamville Post at 1-800-742-0717. Tips can remain anonymous and could save lives.