Columbus woman was arrested on auto theft and drug-related charges

A Columbus woman was arrested early Wednesday morning on auto theft and drug-related charges.

A Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 3000 block of North National Road at 2:11 a.m. Authorities say that the driver, 44-year-old Samantha Banks, was unable to provide paperwork for the vehicle.

Deputies confirmed that the vehicle was owned by an inmate in the Bartholomew County Jail. The inmate reportedly told officers that Banks should not be in possession of the vehicle and requested that it be reported as stolen.

Columbus Police responded with their police dog, Argo, who alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. A search allegedly revealed drug-related items inside. Banks was arrested on preliminary charges of Auto Theft, Possession of Drug-Related Items and Driving while Suspended

Banks remains behind bars in lieu of $70,000 bond.