Two Arrested after Traffic Stop in Starke County

Markus Hensley
Tracy Napierkowski

A traffic stop in the 2500 E. block of 150 S. in Knox resulted in two arrests late Thursday night.

According to the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, the traffic stop was initiated after the driver of the vehicle reportedly committed a moving violation. Police say K9 Merlin was deployed to do a free air sniff of the vehicle and the dog indicated to the presence of narcotics. A search of the car reportedly recovered methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, three different types of controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.

Knox resident, 54-year-old Markus Hensley, was booked into the Starke County Justice Center on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of a schedule II and IV controlled substance, possession of marijuana, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of paraphernalia.

Tracy Napierkowski, 42, of Knox, was also booked on a preliminary charge of possession of paraphernalia.

Formal charges are pending with the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.