On Tuesday, June 13th, at approximately 1:15 in the morning, an officer with the Plymouth Police Department observed a vehicle that had been parked in Wendy’s parking lot for an extended period. The officer further noticed that the driver appeared slumped over the wheel.
While checking on the driver’s welfare, he was identified as Richard Lee Laforme-Harpel, 38, of Columbia City. Laforme-Harpel was suspected of being under the influence. During the officer’s investigation, drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine were found on Laforme-Harpel’s person.
An additional approximately 14 grams of suspected methamphetamine and suboxone were located in the vehicle.
Laforme-Harpel was taken to St. Joseph Hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the Marshall County Jail. The following criminal charges are pending against Laforme-Harpel: Possession of Methamphetamine over 10 grams as a Level 4 Felony, Possession of Legend Drug as a Level 6 Felony, Possession of Paraphernalia as a class A Misdemeanor, and Operating While Intoxicated on a Controlled Substance as a Class C Misdemeanor.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere 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.
