A Jackson County officer patrolling a rural area early Christmas Eve morning wound up arresting two men on various charges, police report.

Jeremy Scott Dillman, 37, of Medora faces a Level 4 felony charge of dealing/manufacturing methamphetamine, Level 6 felony charges of possession of a legend drug and possession of a controlled substance and a Class A misdemeanor charge of driving while suspended with a prior suspension within 10 years.

Matthew Darren Thompson, 39, of Brownstown was arrested on a Level 3 felony charge of dealing/manufacturing methamphetamine and Class A misdemeanor charges of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, possession of a handgun without a license and resisting law enforcement.

[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]

At 4:41 a.m. Thursday, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department Officer Brad Barker was patrolling south of Seymour city limits due to some recent thefts in the area when he observed a car stopped on County Road 200N near the Jackson-Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department.

As Barker got close to the vehicle, it began moving, and he followed the car and observed traffic infractions.

The vehicle turned into a driveway on Rainier Road near County Road 900E, and Barker said he activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop.

The passenger-side door opened and a man, later identified as Thompson, began to walk away from the car. Barker said he ordered the man to stop and come back to him, but the man continued to walk away.

A few seconds later, Barker said the man reappeared from the house. Thompson told Barker he was going to the door to see if a friend was home. Barker said he asked Thompson why he didn’t stop when he was ordered to, and he gave the same answer.

Barker then identified the driver of the car as Dillman and confirmed through dispatch that his driving status was suspended with a prior. Dillman was arrested, and Barker requested more officers.

Officer Billy Dishman arrived and checked the area where Thompson walked and found a handgun lying on the ground next to the residence, Barker said. The gun was dry, while the yard and leaves were wet from the rain.

Seymour Police Department Officer Devlin McMindes then arrived with his K-9, Edi. During a free air sweep around the vehicle, the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, Barker said.

While searching the vehicle, officers located methamphetamine, a syringe, other controlled substances, baggies with the corners cut and digital scales.

A passenger in Dillman’s vehicle was released from the scene, while Dillman and Thompson were taken to the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown, where they are being held without bond.

Barker said both men admitted they didn’t know anyone who lived in the area, and the homeowners said they didn’t know the men. Barker also said Dillman admitted to pulling into the driveway hoping Barker would drive past them.

Also assisting at the scene were county Officer Kevin Settle and Hampton Towing.