HANCOCK COUNTY — An Indianapolis man is facing a felony drug charge after an alert deputy noticed a drug pipe in a vehicle during a stop at a gas station earlier this summer.
John W. Coryell, 52, 4000 block of Sunview Circle, was released on his own recognizance after his initial appearance Monday, Oct. 4, in Hancock County Circuit Court.
Coryell is facing a Level 5 felony count of possession of methamphetamine; and three misdemeanors, including one for carrying a handgun without a license. The most serious charge against him carries a sentence of up to six years in prison.
According to a probable cause affidavit, an on-duty sheriff’s deputy was at the Speedway gas station at Mt. Comfort Road and U.S. 40 on June 29 getting gas when the deputy noticed a meth pipe water bong sitting in the center armrest of the vehicle next to him.
A search of the vehicle turned up a quantity of methamphetamine; an unloaded handgun; a marijuana vape pen; and a set of brass knuckles.
Officials also removed a knife from Coryell’s belt on his waist, the affidavit said. Coryell was issued a summons to appear in Superior Court 2 in July. The case, however, was officially opened in Circuit Court in late September, with Coryell showing up on his own for Monday’s initial hearing.
Deputy prosecutor Kevin Kelly had asked the court to arrest Coryell and have him post a cash bond. Judge Scott Sirk opted to release Coryell and place him in a pretrial release program.
