Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Stolen Weapon and Drugs

Weapon stolen out of Kentucky

May 30, 2022, @ approximately 3:56 AM, Madison Police arrested Joshua T.A. Pearson 23, Madison, Indiana, on firearm related charges, and Trace C. Harris 24, Madison, Indiana, on a drug related charge.  

Madison Police Officer Ben Flint responded to the 900 block of W. Third Street, the foot of Heritage Trail, regarding a suspicious vehicle.  Upon arrival, Officer Flint located Pearson, Harris, and another person.  

Officer Flint noted that Pearson was attempting to conceal something in the waistband of his pants.  Officer Flint instructed Pearson to raise his hands, at which time a handgun and holster was exposed. Pearson and the handgun were secured without incident. 

The follow-up investigation revealed that Pearson was a convicted serious violent felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.  In addition, the firearm in which Pearson possessed was previously reported stolen by the Carrollton, Kentucky, Police Department. Officers also located a legend drug in the vehicle in which Pearson had been a passenger in and Harris had been driving.  

Joshua Pearson faces preliminary alleged charges of - possession of a firearm by a serious violent felony L-4 felony, possession of stolen property L-6 felony, and unlawful possession of a legend drug class A misdemeanor. Trace Harris faces a preliminary alleged charge of unlawful possession of a legend drug, class A misdemeanor. 

Both Pearson and Harris have the presumption of innocence until otherwise proven guilty.  Officer Curtis Shelpman, and Deputy Brian Muldoon assisted Flint with the investigation.