Fountain County - On March 22, 2025, just after 1:00 a.m., Trooper Grundell was patrolling Interstate 74 near the 10-mile marker when he stopped a 2015 Mercedes C350 for speeding. The driver was identified as Jerrell James, 36, of Muncie, Indiana.
While speaking with Jerrell, Trooper Grundell noticed signs of potential criminal activity. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, Trooper Grundell located suspected fentanyl, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Further investigation revealed signs of impairment, leading Trooper Grundell to develop probable cause that James was under the influence of a controlled substance. Jerrell was arrested and transported to the Fountain County Jail.
The suspected fentanyl had a preliminary weight of just over 25 grams, and it will be sent to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for further testing to confirm the substance and exact weight.
At the time of the stop, two minors were in the vehicle. They were released to family a member.
Preliminary Charges:
Jerrell James, 36, of Muncie, IN
1. Possession of a Narcotic Drug – Level 4 Felony
2. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Passenger Under 18 Years of Age – Level 6 Felony
3. Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
4. Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Class C Misdemeanor
5. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
This arrest occurred as part of a patrol conducted by troopers from the Lafayette Post in the Fountain and Warren County areas during the night of March 21, 2025, into the early morning hours of March 22, 2025. During the patrol, Troopers issued 49 warnings and 3 traffic tickets, including one for a child restraint violation. During this time, a subject was also arrested in Covington on an active warrant out of Montgomery County.
The Indiana State Police Lafayette Post remains committed to ensuring the safety of our roadways and promoting public safety across the communities we serve.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.