NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded to the area of County Road 950N and State Road 7N in regards to a vehicle fire last week.
When deputies arrived, the driver, Clifford Roberts of Columbus, had already put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher. Clifford told law enforcement that he was borrowing the car and a family member was coming to pick him up.
Upon further investigation, JCSO learned that the trailer Roberts was pulling was reported stolen in Bartholomew County. The suspect fled on foot from the scene and K9 Creed was requested to help locate him.
Deputies and the K9 tracked Roberts for about two miles through the woods, fields, and a creek until the K9 was relieved of his duty due to the heat.
Officers continued to check the area and found the man. He was arrested without further incident.
About 16 grams of methamphetamine and paraphernalia were allegedly located in the vehicle the suspect was driving.
Roberts was booked on the following charges:
- Possession of Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor)
- Auto Theft (Level 6 Felony)
- Possession of Meth (Level 4 Felony)