K9 Brock/Sgt. Watts-Courtesy-JCSO FB page
NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a pickup truck on US 50 East, near Butlerville, on June 8. The vehicle failed to stop and fled from law enforcement.
The pickup soon crashed, and the male driver fled the scene on foot. Deputies believed the truck was operated by Toby Atha, who had an active Level 2 felony arrest warrant issued in Jackson County.
On June 8, JCSO was informed of the whereabouts of Toby Atha. He was located about 700 feet from the crash site. Sgt. Michael Watts and his K9 partner, Brock, found him hiding under a bed inside a camper. The suspect did not comply with verbal commands and was apprehended by K9 Brock. After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody. Two handguns were reportedly recovered.
Atha received on-scene medical treatment from Rescue 20 for injuries and was transported to a local hospital before being incarcerated.
Deputies obtained a search warrant and allegedly recovered approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, drug paraphernalia, and various other items.
James Atha, the owner of the camper, was also arrested and taken to Jennings County Jail.
The preliminary charges for Toby Atha were:
- Possession of Meth (Level 4 Felony)
- Dealing Meth (Level 2 Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon *Level 4 Felony)
- Jackson County warrant (Level 2 Felony)
James Atha was booked for:
- Assisting a Criminal (Level 6 Felony)
- Possession of Meth (Level 4 Felony)
- Dealing Meth (Level 2 Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony)
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
