Last night at 5:56 PM, Deputy Micah Hatley was traveling westbound in the 1200 west block of US 20. She observed a passenger vehicle traveling in front of her with a license plate violation. At the intersection of US 20 and SR 39, Deputy Hatley initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped in the parking lot of a service station adjacent to the aforementioned intersection. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Damien L. WILSON (28 YOA) of Elkhart, Indiana. Deputies learned a short time later that WILSON was a wanted person by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Level 5 Felony. WILSON was immediately taken into custody. A rear-seat passenger was identified as Andrew D. BLASH (26 YOA) of Michigan City (IN). As the traffic stop progressed, circumstances caused the deputies to believe that criminal activity was afoot. The remaining occupants were removed, and a vehicle search commenced. The vehicle search produced a loaded 9mm pistol which was located within the passenger compartment. Following the search, BLASH was immediately taken into custody. WISLON and BLASH were transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ). WILSON remains housed in the LCJ and will be extradited to Elkhart County on a later date. BLASH was arrested for Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Level 4 Felony. He remains housed in the LCJ and is being held without bond. Assisting: Deputy Wade Wallace and Deputy Evan Doperalski Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
