Covered License Plate Results in Arrest

Clay County—On Wednesday May 17, at 6:42 in the evening, Indiana State Police Trooper Michael Organ stopped a white Chevy Tahoe near the 19 MM on I-70 for the license plate and expiration tag being obstructed.  Once the vehicle was stopped the driver initially refused to provide a driver license.  Trooper Organ was able to get a return on the vehicle and the return indicated the registered owner of the vehicle had a suspended driver’s license.  The male driver was extremely argumentative and refused to comply resulting in Trooper Organ requesting additional officers.  The driver of the vehicle eventually provided a Driver’s license and Trooper Organ confirmed he was in fact suspended.  Trooper Organ also noticed that the subjects Hand Gun permit was expired.  When questioned if he had guns on his person the driver refused to answer and made several anti-government statements. The male driver exited the vehicle and demanded to see why he was stopped. Trooper Organ noticed that the subject was attempting to hide his right side from him. When advised he was going to be patted down for safety reasons the subject refused, pushed Trooper Organ away and stated, “It’s none of your business”.  Trooper Organ noticed an outline of a gun in his right pocket. At this time other troopers were on scene and Trooper Organ was able to take the driver into custody

 Arrested:          Stephen M. Lucas, age 68, of Brazil, IN.

                        Taken to Clay County Jail

 Charges:           Possession of a Handgun without a license (misdemeanor); Resisting Law enforcement (misdemeanor); Battery on Law Enforcement; (felony).

 Assisting were ISP Trooper Shelton and Trooper Portteus.

 Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.