Two Knox residents were arrested Thursday afternoon after narcotics were reportedly found in their possession.
A Starke County K9 officer recognized a wanted person traveling north in his vehicle on U.S. 35. The officer attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, but police say the driver, John Piper, Jr., 26, fled behind the Knox Liquor Store and discarded several baggies out of the window. The vehicle eventually stopped in the parking lot of the former B&K Drive Inn.
Piper was detained by officers after it was confirmed that he was wanted on a warrant, according to police. The passenger, 25-year-old Ryan Furlano, was also detained. Officers allegedly found 30 baggies of heroin in Furlano’s possession during a search.
Police say five baggies of heroin were retrieved in the roadway which had been thrown from the vehicle.
Piper faces preliminary charges of dealing heroin, possession of heroin, maintaining a common nuisance, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, possession of paraphernalia, and driving while suspended with a prior conviction.
Furlano faces preliminary charges of dealing heroin, possession of heroin, visiting a common nuisance, and possession of paraphernalia.
There is no bond set at this time.
The Knox City Police Department K9 officer assisted at the scene.
