By Joe Bachman

A 28-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman have been charged with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia after police say they found illegal substances in their possession after fleeing police.

Ignatia Jackson, of Tomah, and Timothy Rouse, of Warrens, are charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and Rouse is specifically charged with eluding an officer.

According to police reports, on Mar 17, 2016 an officer attempted a traffic stop on State Highway 80 in the town of Remington after observing a vehicle traveling 68 m.p.h. in a 45 m.p.h. zone. The officer accelerated his vehicle in attempts to catch up to the vehicle and put on his lights. He noted that he accelerated his car up to 100 m.p.h. during the chase, and that the suspect vehicle approached speeds of 115 m.p.h.

As the officer came closer to State Highway 73, he noticed that the vehicle had crashed, as the car struck a guard rail and spun out of control. The officer identified Rouse as the driver, and Jackson as the passenger. When questioned Rouse stated that he couldn’t hear the police sirens, and that he was being “stupid”.

The smell of intoxicants was observed by the officer on the breath of Rouse, who allegedly admitted to drinking earlier that night. After further investigation of the vehicle, police found a dark green backpack at the crash site, which revealed to hold two small scales, multiple dime baggies containing a white substance, three quart size mason jars containing a green leafy material, a glass pipe, as well as a marijuana grinder in the center console of the vehicle.

Rouse allegedly confirmed that he was the owner of the green backpack. Jackson’s wallet was found inside of the backpack, who denied knowledge of how her wallet could be found inside. Substance tests would later confirm that the substances were methamphetamine, and THC.

If convicted, both face up to three years and six months imprisonment per count of drug possession, as well as three years and six months imprisonment for Rouse for attempting to elude or flee a traffic officer. Both face up to $30,000 in fines, each.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for May 6.