Stolen gun found on I-65 after driver weaves across lanes

Deputies in Bartholomew County recovered a stolen handgun during a Monday evening traffic stop on Interstate 65. The weapon was found in the vehicle of Melvin Earls, 58, of Indianapolis, who is now facing multiple criminal charges.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on Monday, a caller alerted authorities that a gray Dodge Ram pickup was weaving across the highway near the Taylorsville Rest Area. The caller described the truck as repeatedly changing speeds and nearly striking a semitrailer. Deputies located the vehicle just south of Exit 64, where they observed it continuing to weave within its lane. They pulled the truck over near the State Road 58 exit.

During the stop, Earls told deputies his driver’s license had been suspended. Officers also reported smelling marijuana inside the truck. A records check revealed Earls had a prior felony conviction. When deputies searched the vehicle, they discovered a handgun in a storage compartment. The gun had been reported stolen in Indianapolis, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Earls was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for a blood draw. He was then taken to the Bartholomew County Jail. He is being held on suspicion of operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction, driving while suspended with a prior conviction, unlawful possession of a firearm, and theft of a firearm.

Earls remains in custody on a 48-hour hold while authorities prepare formal charges. The investigation is ongoing.