By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – Two Wabash women are facing drug-related charges after they were arrested on Monday in Falls Cemetery. According to an affidavit of probable cause by Wabash Police Patrolman Kody Case, he and Officer Andy Johnson were alerted to a Pontiac Grand Prix by an off-duty Captain Ryan Short who followed the car believing a subject in the car was wanted on a warrant. Captain Short advised that the vehicle turned into Falls Cemetery and officers approached the Grand Prix.
In Patrolman Case’s affidavit, he said that Officer Johnson advised that he saw the front seat passenger look out the window and then quickly place an object under her seat. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Elizabeth A. Bell, 54, Wabash, and the passenger Barbara J. Burkholder, 33, Wabash. The affidavit alleges that Bell had blood on her right forearm. When questioned, police allege that Burkholder said that she was getting ready to inject heroin into Bell. After Miranda warnings were administered, the pair allegedly gave permission for the police to search the car where authorities allegedly located two syringes in a zipper pouch. Additionally, police say a loaded syringe was located under the front passenger seat. Two other syringes loaded with a “mostly clear fluid” were also found in another zipper bag, along with a burnt spoon.
Case’s affidavit say that both women made a video statement saying that they received the drugs for an apartment at Meadowbrook. Burkholder was preliminarily charged with possession of a syringe and maintaining a common nuisance. Bell was was preliminarily charged with possession of a syringe and maintaining a common nuisance and possession of paraphernalia. Formal charges are pending.