By Joe Bachman

Three face separate drug related charges, after a police search of a vehicle led to the discovery of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

According to police reports, on Sept. 23, an officer observed a vehicle leave a residence on Wisconsin St. belonging to 23-year-old Tyler Larsen. The officer followed Larsen’s car to a gas station on 8th St. South and initiated a traffic stop.

Inside the vehicle, police identified passengers 19-year-old Taylor Champa, and 20-year-old David Lunde. Larsen, out on bail from previous charges of methamphetamine possession, had his driver’s license revoked, and was not to be driving.

The officer observed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and noticed a digital scale by Champa’s feet, often used to prepare and weigh illegal substances. Champa was also out on bail from previous charges of heroin possession and forgery.

After the officer observed the defendants moving items around inside the vehicle from the seats to the floor, he ordered the three out of the vehicle. Police would find a Hi-Point 40 caliber pistol underneath the driver’s seat.

Drug paraphernalia was found inside the vehicle, and underneath Lunde’s seat, a baggie was found containing 0.60 grams of methamphetamine.

Both Larsen and Champa both face charges of bail jumping and possession of drug paraphernalia — if convicted, both face up to six years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. Lunde faces three years and six months imprisonment, and up to $10,000 in fines for possession of methamphetamine.

Future court dates are currently pending.