Docs: Indy man arrested after drugs uncovered during traffic stop while child was in car

PENDLETON, Ind. — An Indianapolis man was arrested after more than five pounds of drugs were found during a traffic stop on I-69 Tuesday afternoon while his child was in the vehicle.

According to court documents filed by the Pendleton Police Department, 44-year-old Phillip Cooper has been charged with:

• One count of dealing in a narcotic drug – possession with intent, between 5-10 grams with a minor present, a Level 2 felony
• One count of dealing in cocaine – possession with intent, between 5-10 grams with a minor present, a Level 2 felony
• One count of dealing in a schedule I controlled substance, possession with intent, with at least 28 grams, a Level 2 felony
• One count of neglect of a dependent, a Level 5 felony
• One count of dealing in marijuana, possession with intent, between 30 grams and 10 pounds, a Level 6 felony
• One count of possession of a controlled substance, enhancing circumstance.

At around 3:22 p.m. on Tuesday, an officer with the Pendleton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Toyota Prius on I-69. During the stop, the court documents said a 12-year-old boy was in the passenger seat.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Cooper, was asked by the officer if there was any marijuana in the vehicle because of the apparent odor. The documents said that Cooper said there was “a little bit” in the vehicle. Cooper also later confirmed that there may have been some pills in the car.

When police searched the Prius, they reportedly found various substances and paraphernalia, including:

• 135 blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl
• 8.1 grams of cocaine
• Mason jar containing a mushroom-like substance, weighing 50 grams
• 11 mason jars filled with marijuana, weighing 876 grams
• Various THC substances
• Various pills including amphetamine, oxycodone hydrochloride and MDMA
• Various paraphernalia items and cash.

When asked if Cooper was delivering the drugs to someone, the documents said that Cooper responded that “he did not want to answer questions without a lawyer present.”

According to court documents, Cooper’s initial hearing occurred Wednesday afternoon.