Stolen police- issued gun recovered during traffic stop, 2 charged

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

​A Terre Haute man and woman were arrested on stolen gun charges during a traffic stop in Vigo County this afternoon.

Harris/ Vigo Co. Jail

Batson/Vigo Co. Jail

Two suspects were booked into the Vigo County Jail:
​

• Howard Lorenzo Harris, 35,  was preliminarily charged with possession of handgun without a permit, possession of stolen property and operating while intoxicated-marijuana. He was issued multiple traffic citations as well.
• Passenger Sasha T. Batson, 37, was preliminarily charged with possession of stolen property and possession of handgun without a permit.

The white 2010 Chevrolet Impala was westbound on US 40 near Hunt Street when Indiana State Police Master Trooper Hans Nowak stopped the driver for speeding just before 1 p.m.

According to ISP Sgt. Joe Watts, Harris was allegedly driving 63 miles-per-hour in a 45mph zone. He added that the trooper could smell marijuana as he approached the car, although none was found during a subsequent search.

However, a handgun reported as stolen was found in the Batson's purse. 

In fact, the Glock .40 caliber semi-auto handgun was reported stolen to the Terre Haute Police Department in April of last year, with a serial number check confirming it is an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department -issued weapon.

"Further inquiry has led troopers to believe the weapon was stolen from a retired IMPD officer’s vehicle that was parked at a local hotel on or around that date," Watts said.

The incident was investigated by ISP Master Trooper Hans Nowak. Assisting were ISP Master Trooper Chip McKee and Sergeant Kris Fitzgerald.