Fentanyl, firearms recovered during North Vernon traffic stop

Friday, January 9, 2026 at 8:16 AM

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The North Vernon Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the area of 5th Street and Buckeye Street, which resulted in multiple drug- and firearm-related charges on Friday morning, January 9.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The North Vernon Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the area of 5th Street and Buckeye Street, which resulted in multiple drug- and firearm-related charges on Friday morning, January 9.

During the course of the stop, a certified K-9 unit was deployed and provided a positive alert on the vehicle. A subsequent search of the car led to the alleged discovery of multiple firearms, fentanyl, assorted pills, drug paraphernalia, and synthetic urine.

Nathan Littrell, age 38, was arrested and charged with:

Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of a Syringe
Possession of Marijuana

Melissa Popejoy, age 34, was booked for:

Violation of Legend Drug
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Marijuana

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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