Conservation officers arrested an Otwell man on drug and gun violations

Conservation officers found an Otwell man with drugs, paraphernalia and an infant in a van driving in Pike State Forest last Friday.

Officers Blake Everhart and Dustin Cary were patrolling the Pike State Forest property at about 1 p.m. when they noticed a man driving a maroon colored Mercury minivan with an infant on his lap.

The child was unrestrained, which is in violation of state law. The officers stopped the van and identified the driver as Nathaniel Willis, 35, of Otwell.

During the traffic stop, the officers also located methamphetamine, paraphernalia, a legend drug injection device and a firearm. The van also had an expired vehicle registration and false or fictitious plates.

The officers charged Willis with possession of methamphetamine, paraphernalia, legend drug injection device and a firearm by a domestic batterer.

Willis was also charged with neglect of a dependent and the child was placed in the care of Child Protective Services.

Willis was lodged in the Pike County Jail without incident.