Officer Les McFarland with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was northbound on US 31 Saturday evening about 7 when he observed a vehicle traveling southbound at 91 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The vehicle was stopped and Officer McFarland detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and a substance believed to be marijuana was recovered.
The driver, 31 year old Tonica L. Johnson of South Bend was transported to St. Joseph Regional Hospital for a chemical test.
Johnson was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Operating While Intoxicated, a C Misdemeanor. Inside the vehicle were five children ages 11, 9, 8, 7 and 2.
A case report will be completed and forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutor`s Office for review and formal charges being filed. The children were released to family.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
