Editor’s note: Indiana State Police changed their description of the weapon from rifle to firearm.

TIPPECANOE Co., Ind. — Indiana State Police have arrested a man described as a ‘serious violent felon’ after allegedly finding a firearm, a fake ID and marijuana on him during a traffic stop.

An ISP trooper was patrolling Interstate 65 in Tippecanoe County around 3 a.m. Monday when the incident occurred.

The trooper, ISP said, saw a 2018 silver Dodge Charger driving over the speed limit near the 172 mile marker of I-65 and pulled the car over.

While talking with the driver, the trooper said he smelled a marijuana odor coming from the car. The trooper also “noticed indicators that criminal activity might be afoot,” ISP said in a news release.

Police said that a passenger in the car initially gave the trooper a false ID card. The man, later identified as 31-year-old John Vinson of Crown Point, is considered a “serious violent felon”.

ISP searched the car and allege that inside Vinson had a firearm, marijuana and a digital scale in his possession. The evidence seized by ISP is shown below:

Photo courtesy of Indiana State Police

Vinson was arrested and taken to Tippecanoe County Jail. The car’s driver got a citation and was released from the scene, ISP said.

Vinson now faces the following charges:

  • Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon – Level 4 Felony
  • Identity deception – Level 6 Felony
  • Dealing marijuana – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of marijuana (prior) – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a false government ID – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Refusal to identify – Class C Misdemeanor

After the arrest, ISP said troopers found out that Vinson had active warrants for his arrest out of Tippecanoe County and Marion County.