Traffic stop leads to drug arrests in downtown Columbus

Two people were arrested Monday night on drug charges after their vehicle was stopped for a minor traffic violation in downtown Columbus.

Columbus police report stopping a vehicle near 16th and Chestnut Streets at about 11:40 p.m. Monday night. A police dog alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle. A search  allegedly revealed drug paraphernalia, prescription medication, along with a pill bottle containing methamphetamine.

The driver, 39-year-old John R. Demerit and his passenger, 38-year-old Carolyn Shonk Murrell, both of Columbus, were both arrested.

Demerit is facing preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, as well as operating a vehicle without obtaining a license. Shonk Murrell is being accused of possession of a controlled substance.