A 41-year-old Linton man appeared in court April 2 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia following a March 31 arrest.

Randy Joe Nickle faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony, possession of marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor, and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor. He appeared in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing April 2 following his March 31 arrest.

Linton Police Department Officer Jerrad Pirtle responded to the area of South Main Street, south of Vincennes Street in reference to Nickle being in the area. According to the probable cause affidavit, Pirtle wrote he was familiar with Nickle and knew he had an active arrest warrant. The warrant, issued on Dec. 21, 2023, stemmed from charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia.

Pirtle was already in the area when dispatch notified him Nickle was last seen heading east in the alley by the Vault. According to the probable cause, when Pirtle went to the back of the restaurant, he saw two males–one matching the description of Nickle–running south in the alley behind the Vault. When Pirtle went to the next block down, he didn’t see the male exit the alley. While searching between buildings, he was initially unable to locate Pirtle. He located Nickle a short time later as he was exiting an apartment complex.

A large backpack Nickle had with him was searched. According to the probable cause affidavit, a glass smoking device with crystal residue was found. The residue later field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also located was a silver box containing a green leaf substance. Per Officer Pirtle’s experience, he wrote in the probable cause he believed the substance to be marijuana.

Prior to transport to Greene County Jail, he was taken to Greene County General Hospital for medical clearance due to complaints of shortness of breath, according to the probable cause affidavit. An ambulance was called to the scene; however, Nickle signed a refusal of treatment on scene.

He was held without bond until his initial hearing on April 2. At that time his bond was set at $20,000 surety with 10% cash allowed.