On June 24, 2020, at 3:39 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a possible intoxicated driver on US 41 near County Road 350 South. The caller was able to identify the vehicle as a Gold in color Ford Explorer with Illinois plates and stickers all over the rear windshield. A short time later Deputy Zach Lienemann observed a vehicle matching that description on US 41 near County Road 225 North. At that point he pulled in behind the vehicle and paced the vehicle at 45 in a 60 mph zone. At that point Deputy Lienemann initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as 37-year-old Thomas Bland of Vincennes. During a roadside investigation Deputy Lienemann asked for the registration of the vehicle and upon opening the glove compartment the passenger shut the door abruptly in an attempt to conceal what was inside the vehicle. Deputy Lienemann asked the passenger to retrieve the item that had caused her concern and give it to him. At that point the passenger produced drug paraphernalia and gave it to Deputy Lienemann. At that point Mr. Bland and the passenger were placed into custody as an investigation was conducted. At the conclusion of the investigation Mr. Bland was taken to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Driving While Suspended Prior, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Operating a Vehicle Without Financial Responsibility (with a prior conviction). He has since posted a $650 bond. The passenger was released from the scene.

Assisting Deputy Lienemann in his investigation were deputies Jennifer Robb and Bryce Jutzi.

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.