A traffic violation led to a drug arrest for state and county law enforcement on I-74.

Just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, Trooper Michael Risley was patrolling I-74 near C.R. 700 W. in Shelby County when he noticed a silver Ford Ranger following another vehicle too closely. The trooper pulled the truck over on I-74 near the 103 mile marker.

While speaking with the driver and passenger, the trooper reported that he became suspicious of possible drug activity. He requested assistance from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and two deputies responded. Trooper Hunter Mccord and her K9 Koda also responded to assist.

Koda conducted an open-air sniff around the outside of the vehicle and gave an indication of narcotics inside the truck. Officers subsequently searched the truck and found three small bags of methamphetamine, along with pills and drug paraphernalia.

The driver, Eric Alexander, 49, of Shelbyville, was arrested. He faces the preliminary charges of dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license. He was transported to the Shelby County Jail and incarcerated.

The passenger in the vehicle was released with no charges.

Indiana State Police say the arrest is based upon probable cause. The charges listed are preliminary with actual charges to be determined by the Shelby County Prosecutor's Office upon review. 

Get the most recent Shelby County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to shelbycountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.