Troopers find wanted man with drugs and stolen gun

A Bedford man is facing drug dealing and other charges after a traffic stop in southeastern Indiana Monday.

Indiana State Police say that they pulled over a vehicle in Salem Monday night suspecting it may have been involved in a protective order violation. Troopers noticed drugs in plain view during the traffic stop. A passenger at first refused to identify himself and then gave a fake name. But authorities determined he was 30 year old Dakota W. Stinson of Bedford who was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Lawrence County. During the stop, troopers say he tried to destroy evidence and was found to be carrying a stolen handgun.

Stinson is facing preliminary charges including dealing in and possessing meth and narcotics, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, theft of a firearm, false informing and obstruction of justice.