Columbus man arrested after police dog smells drugs in car

COLUMBUS, Ind. – A Columbus man was arrested following a traffic stop during which a police dog arrested him on multiple drug charges.

38-year-old Dustin Cross was charged with:

• Possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony
• Possession of fentanyl, a level 6 felony
• Obstruction of justice, a level 6 felony
• Possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor
• Resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor

A Columbus Police officer conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation near the intersection of Central Avenue and 12th St. at 8:44 p.m. Monday. During the stop, a police dog alerted the officer to the odor of drugs coming from the car.

Cross, the passenger in the car, reached into a bag and pulled out something in his fist, according to Columbus police. Officers ordered him to exit the vehicle, and when he got out, he put something from his fist into his mouth. Believing it was drugs, officers arrested Cross and a struggle ensued. Cross reportedly refused to spit out the items from his mouth.

Police later found a piece of gum that contained fentanyl, which was believed to have come from his mouth. Officers also discovered a bag containing drugs and paraphernalia in the car.

Cross was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for evaluation and later booked into Bartholomew County Jail. The driver was released at the scene.

The information will be updated as soon as it is available.