On Monday, October 12th at 3:42 P.M. the Marshall County Central Dispatch received a 911 call about a gold colored Jeep driving all over the road on U.S. 31 south near Lapaz. Central Dispatch received several more 911 calls in regards to this vehicle advising that it was driving erratically.
Officer Laffoon with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 44 year old, Shawn K Swartz of South Bend.
Mr. Swartz later submitted to and failed several field sobriety tests. A probable cause search of the inside of Swartz vehicle produced a small amount of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Mr. Swartz was transported to St. Joseph Regional Hospital for a certified chemical test. He was then lodged at the Marshall County Jail and held on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana and Operating with a Controlled Substance in Body with bond set at $1,505.
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.
