Meth, guns found during search for wanted man in Jennings County

Man allegedly ran from traffic stop, located the next day

(BUTLERVILLE, Ind.) – An attempted traffic stop led to a search warrant and two arrests in Butlerville. 

It began when a Jennings County deputy attempted to stop a pickup truck on U.S.50 on Saturday. 

Police say the vehicle didn’t stop and the driver fled the scene on foot. The deputy believed the suspect was Toby Atha, who was wanted for a warrant out of Jackson County. 

On Sunday, police received a tip that Atha was hiding out in a camper that was approximately 700 feet from the crash site.

A Jennings County deputy and his K-9 partner located Atha hiding under a bed inside the camper, police said. 

Deputies alleged that Atha refused to comply and was apprehended by the K9. 

“Following a brief struggle, Atha was taken into custody. Two handguns were recovered in close proximity to where Atha was found,” the sheriff’s office said. 

Police say a search of the camper resulted in the discovery of 12 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, drug paraphernalia and other items. 

Toby Atha was arrested for the warrant and was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Dealing Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon.

The owner of the camper, James Atha, was also arrested and charged with Assisting a Criminal, Possession of Methamphetamine, Dealing Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon.