Danville, Ind. — A Georgia woman is facing several criminal charges after Danville police officers say she tried to destroy evidence by chewing and attempting to swallow plastic bags containing a crystal-like substance during a traffic stop early Thursday morning.
Officers stopped a red Ford Focus at approximately 1:50 a.m. after observing the vehicle commit multiple traffic violations, including crossing the center line repeatedly, according to a Danville Police Department statement. The driver was identified as Jennifer Dixon, 42, of Barnesville, Georgia.
Officers say suspect hid contraband in mouth
During the investigation, Dixon’s behavior prompted officers to believe she may have been concealing contraband. After Dixon consented to a search of the vehicle, officers reported seeing what appeared to be plastic bags inside her mouth. Officers said they ordered her to spit out the bags, but she began chewing and attempted to swallow them.
Police intervened both to prevent destruction of evidence and to reduce the medical risk associated with ingesting suspected drugs, the department said. In the course of the struggle, officers allege Dixon resisted and bit one officer on the finger.
Medical evaluation, evidence recovered and charges
Emergency medical personnel were called because of concerns that Dixon may have ingested some of the suspected substance. She was taken to Hendricks Regional Health for evaluation and treatment and was medically cleared before being booked into the Hendricks County Jail.
Officers recovered two plastic bags containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, the department said. Dixon faces the following preliminary charges:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Battery on a public safety official
- Resisting law enforcement
- Obstruction of justice
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Driver | Jennifer Dixon, 42, Barnesville, Ga. |
| Location of stop | Danville, Indiana |
| Vehicle | Red Ford Focus |
| Time | About 1:50 a.m. Thursday |
| Medical facility | Hendricks Regional Health |
Investigation ongoing
The Danville Police Department said the incident remains under investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about the weight of the recovered substance, whether Dixon has been formally charged by a prosecutor, or whether additional evidence was found during the vehicle search.
Police accounts indicate officers were concerned about potential medical complications from ingestion — a risk that can include overdose or obstruction — which is why emergency medical personnel evaluated Dixon at the hospital before booking. The department’s statement did not disclose the extent of any injuries sustained by the officer who was allegedly bitten.
Context and local impact
Traffic stops that turn into drug investigations are a common entry point for multiple criminal charges, particularly when officers observe behavior consistent with concealing contraband. When suspects attempt to destroy or ingest suspected drugs, police and medics must balance evidence preservation with immediate medical care. In this case, Danville officers said they intervened to both recover the suspected drugs and protect Dixon’s health.
Residents and motorists in the area may see increased patrols or enforcement in response to similar incidents, but the department has not announced any broader enforcement action tied to this specific stop. The investigation’s findings will determine whether prosecutors bring formal charges beyond the preliminary counts listed by police.
As the case proceeds, court filings and formal charging documents will provide additional details on the evidence recovered and any additional counts. For now, Dixon remains in custody at the Hendricks County Jail following her medical clearance.
We will update this report as authorities release more information.
