Unconscious driver investigation leads to fentanyl arrest

North Vernon police say that they took a large amount of fentanyl off of the streets after an incident on Sunday.

According to the North Vernon Police Department, officers were called to a gas station on West Walnut Street on Sunday after a woman was found unconscious behind the wheel of a running vehicle. They found the woman asleep and noticed signs that indicated impairment by opioids.

A search uncovered five grams of fentanyl, along with methamphetamine, legend drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash. More evidence was found of the distribution of narcotics.

Jon Marie Little was arrested on preliminary charges for

Dealing in and possessing fentanyl, as well as for possession of the meth, legend drugs and a syringe.

Task Force Commander Graham Heffelfinger said that “This seizure absolutely saved lives in our community. Every gram of fentanyl removed matters, and we will continue to aggressively target those who bring this poison into North Vernon.” Heffelfinger said that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be a fatal dose and said that the amount found could potentially kill up to 2,500 people.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.