Traffic stops tied to drug activity at Sycamore Street home

Four people were arrested on drug-related charges after two traffic stops led to the execution of a search warrant at a Columbus home Tuesday night. At approximately 9:45 p.m., Columbus Police stopped a vehicle near Eighth Street and Lafayette Avenue for a minor traffic violation. While speaking with the driver, Jeremy D. Hedger, of Columbus, a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department police dog was alerted to the odor of narcotics inside Hedger’s vehicle. Authorities say a search of the vehicle revealed several clear plastic bags, some of which contained methamphetamine and heroin.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., CPD officers stopped a vehicle for a minor traffic violation near Ninth Street and Pearl Street. Police say the driver, 35-year-old Steven J. Freiner, of Columbus appeared extremely nervous.

A Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department police dog later alerted to the odor of drugs inside the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers reported finding methamphetamine, prescription medication and drug paraphernalia. Officers learned that Freiner had just left the home of Jeremy Hedger, who had been arrested about an hour earlier.

Shortly before midnight, officers executed a search warrant for Hedger’s apartment in the 800 block of Sycamore Street. While searching the residence, police reportedly found heroin, drug paraphernalia, digital scales and a stolen computer tablet. Officers arrested 30-year-old Ashley L. Parrott, of Columbus, who resides at the apartment with Hedger.

While searching Hedger and Parrott’s apartment, 34-year-old Daniel P. Frodge, of Shelbyville, knocked on the door. He entered the apartment and was arrested after authorities learned that he had an outstanding

Bartholomew County warrant. While searching Frodge, officers allegedly found a syringe inside his jacket.

Arrested were:

Jeremy Hedger: Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, Driving While Suspended-Prior Conviction;

Steven Freiner: Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance;

Ashley Parrott: Possession of Heroin, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Theft;

Daniel Frodge: Bartholomew County Warrant, Possession of a Legend Drug Injection Device;

Columbus Police thank the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, Columbus Police Department Intelligence Led Policing Unit, Columbus Police Department Investigations Division and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department for their help in these arrests.