3 arrested during traffic stop, drugs, weapon seized

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Officers of the Washington Township Police Department arrested three defendants Friday, March 31, during a traffic stop in the area of State Route 235 and State Route 274.

Driver Joseph Knauff, 51, of Bainbridge, was charged with possession of drugs and possession of a dangerous ordinance. Passenger Tiffany White, 36, of Mount Vernon,  was charged with possession of drugs and tampering with evidence.

Fellow passenger Shawn McDaniel, 42, of Salem, was placed under arrest on active warrants.

Additional charges are pending.

Officers on patrol initiated the stop on the vehicle for an equipment violation. The driver also was observed pulling into multiple driveways and then immediately backing out due to the officer following them.

Upon making contact with the occupants, officers said they were overly nervous and showed signs of drug impairment.

Knauff consented to a search of his vehicle. During the search, officers located methamphetamine and multiple scheduled controlled substances. Officers also located a shotgun that was modified to 12.5 inches and ammunition.

All three occupants were advised they were being placed under arrest and were transported to the Logan County Jail.

White admitted to officers that she concealed a methamphetamine pipe inside of her body cavity to prevent officers from locating. It was removed at the Logan County Jail.

Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.