WYRZ.org 98.9 WYRZ – The Voice of Hendricks County
Monroe County – On March 27, 2019 just before 6:30 p.m., Indiana State Police Detective Josh Allen observed a vehicle in Bloomington traveling east on 3rd Street commit numerous deliberate and dangerous traffic infractions. The vehicle, a white Kia passenger car was then observed by Trooper Caleb Garvin turning south on Muller Parkway from 3rd Street.
Trooper Garvin initiated a traffic stop of the Kia and identified the driver as Jeremy Keith Blankenship, 35 of Indianapolis. Throughout the investigation, Trooper Garvin noticed several criminal activity indicators.
While patting him down for weapons, Blankenship pulled away to resist Trooper Garvin’s loud verbal commands and began making quick and furtive movements around his waistband. Blankenship continued to ignore the commands to stop and began to physically resist. While continuing to fight Trooper Garvin (and now Detective Allen), Trooper Garvin was able to remove a folding knife from Blankenship that had been clipped to his waistband.
Once officers had Blankenship in custody, a loaded handgun was located that had been in Blankenship’s sweatpants.
Officers also located a bag in Blankenship’s jacket containing numerous clear plastic bags all containing a crystal substance, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. The approximate weight of the methamphetamine was 14 grams.
Blankenship’s passenger, Brandon Scales, 33 of Bloomington was found to be wanted on an active arrest warrant through Monroe County.
Troopers later discovered several white tablets and a clear plastic bag containing a white powdery substance.
Both Scales and Blankenship were transported to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office where they were remanded to the care and custody of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Jail Staff.
Blankenship was charged with the following offenses;
- Habitual Offender
- Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony
- Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 4 Felony
- Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Level 6 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor
ASSISTING – Bloomington Police Department Detective Jacob Hunter and Officer Sterling Woods, ISP Troopers Gabe Bault, Matt Hatchett, Zach Parker, Chris Griggs along with the IU Health Ambulance Service.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
