On Thursday, June 25, an Argos business contacted the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and reported a female acting suspicious, possibly intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance.
The told dispatch the subjects left in a blue trailblazer, northbound on US 31. County Officer Les McFarland located the vehicle and made a traffic stop in the area of US 31 and US 30. The driver, 25 year old Jacklyn Bell of South Bend only had an I.D. and had never obtained a driver license.
During the traffic stop, drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view in the vehicle. 32 year old Amber D. Bartels also of South Bend was arrested for reckless possession of drug paraphernalia along with possession of a legend drug.
Jacklyn Bell was transported to St. Joseph Regional Hospital for a chemical test, arrested and booked into the Marshall County Jail for Operator Never Licensed. A case report will be completed for additional charges of Operating While Intoxicated and Operating a Vehicle with a Controlled Substance.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind citizens that upon observing suspicious or illegal activity to report that activity to the local Police Department. Information from the local community plays a significant role in maintaining a positive relationship between the citizens and police. “Being a good neighbor is one of the best deterrents, as criminals and thieves can’t operate if they know their every move is being watched. As it only takes a few minutes to commit a crime, the importance of promptly reporting of all suspicious activity to the police should be obvious”.
Listeners and 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.
