3 arrested after complaints of drug use on factory lunch breaks

Tools

Marijuana arrests at Elkhart factories

(Pictured from left) Richard Anderson, 44, Harold Wood, 31, and Andrew Buckta, 29, were arrested on May 14, 2008. (Photos provided)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 15, 2008 at 11:30 AM EDT

Story Updated: May 15, 2008 at 11:40 AM EDT

ELKHART — Police have arrested three men after receiving complaints that factory employees on the city’s north side were using marijuana during lunch breaks.

Between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, police conducted several routine traffic stops in the area of County Road 6 and DI Drive.

Police stopped seven vehicles, issued five citations, arrested three people and impounded one vehicle during the patrol.

Forty-four-year-old Richard Anderson, 31-year-old Harold Wood, and 29-year-old Andrew Buckta were arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Police said they plan to conduct similar patrols in the future in high complaint areas.

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 8:15 PM Rick wrote ...

Mike and Brian made excellent comments.I would like to make one more:I KNOW what it is to be addicted to drugs and booze. I attend the same church as this man who is being convicted in the court of public opinion is. My prayers are for him, his family, and his friends who were caught. I also hope that if/when all the details come out, if any of them are exhonerated, that the same people performing character assination will repost apologies. However, words, spoken or written, can't be taken back.

Monday, May 19 at 1:12 PM Why must we judge... wrote ...

No where does the charges say that anyone was under the influence. Could it be that they were simply going out and coming back from lunch, but one bonehead had pot on them? If they were believed to have been actively smoking would they not have been drug tested immediately and issued a driving under the influence? I know that I don't frisk everyone who gets in my car to go get lunch...do you?

Monday, May 19 at 12:48 PM Sinner wrote ...

Let him who is without sin cast the first stone! Come on people, give this man a break.Everyone has skeletons. This is a slap on the hand offense. My tax dollars would be better spent on catching murderers and rapists. This is all political open your eyes. They are sacraficial lambs for the next election.If they were not doing thier jobs at work they would be out of a job. Oh yeah, they got busted outside of work that's right.This was blown WAYYYY out of proportion.

Sunday, May 18 at 3:33 PM Brian wrote ...

To Disapointed Hope "Snyper" I hope you keep coming to Hope or start coming if you don't attend now, you have much to learn about forgiveness and the attitude of the heart. You have taken the time to try an bring additional shame on the man you point out as well as his family and church. I know this man, I care for this man and I will support him and pray for him, will you? We all fall from grace but we only fail if we don'get back up. Kicking him while he is down is the act of a coward.

Sunday, May 18 at 2:28 PM kurt wrote ...

way to go mike

Sunday, May 18 at 8:29 AM Mike wrote ...

Since when is a man guilty until proven innocent?? I hope that when the verdict comes out, all of those condemning an innocent man, pray to God for forgiveness. It is easy to hide behind a computer and say nasty things with out knowing ALL the facts. Do you have the same courage to ask this man for forgiveness for what you said about him? We will see. Is a person guilty by association? If so, may God have mercy on us all.

Saturday, May 17 at 11:34 PM Wayne wrote ...

What are you talking about Mr Joke? I use spell check and if you don't want to use your name then put Anonymous!

Saturday, May 17 at 11:24 PM Blessed are the merciful..... wrote ...

I happen to know that there are more than 500 people who attend this one man's church. Every person who works with the children/youth must undergo a background check which he cleared. The fact is, Christians do stupid things too and make mistakes and I certainly hope the church, itself, or the pastor is not responsible for what all 500 individuals may do each week. I also know that he has been relieved of all responsibilities at that church.

Saturday, May 17 at 5:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I have heard everything from it's more toxic than cigarettes to it's practically harmless. Whichever side one chooses to believe, the bottom line is that marijuana is an illegal drug that should not have been used in the workplace. These unfortunate individuals made the wrong choice and therefore must suffer the consequences of their actions. Maybe this will be a lesson learned for them. Another thing to consider in the search for their next job is that drug testing is becoming more common.

Saturday, May 17 at 1:16 PM Mitch wrote ...

Why is it that pot smokers are so arrogant to think people cannot smell that distinct odor on them?

Saturday, May 17 at 1:15 PM Mitch wrote ...

Good question Anon. But why would the factory even bother then the Union is going to flex their muscle and threaten to sue to keep these guys jobs? Yes..Go Union..you can smoke pot, totally suck at your job, be a complete slacker and they will still fight for you. Just not right.

Saturday, May 17 at 11:14 AM Wayne is a joke wrote ...

To Wayne, not everyone actually has to put their name in the name column, I chose the words "what a joke" to refer to Anon's comments, so Wayne a little hint to you, use the dictionary if you don't know how to spell where. You are the joke son!

Saturday, May 17 at 9:29 AM SS wrote ...

It's funny how people who can't have an original thought in their head and spout off incorrect propaganda, can call others stupid. The rest of the world sees you and just laughs and laughs.

Saturday, May 17 at 9:15 AM jenn wrote ...

Man...you guys are putting way too much energy into these guys! Not all potheads are stupid or bad or deviant. They stay at home, have jobs, take care of their kids and are a productive part of society. And you will never even know who they are. These guys do deserve what they get. Don't be soo stupid! You probably get off work at 2:30 anyway...take it home fellas!

Saturday, May 17 at 9:02 AM annon wrote ...

Why don't these factories get more pro-active. If they know there is a drug problem have surpise drug testing for all at least 1 time a year! Also check for drinking on the job too! Clean - no problem, Dirty - you have a choice- join a rehab program or your fired. In todays world there is at least 3 other people wanting your job. I bet you if one of these "high" gentlemen were injured on the job due to their condition, they would be the first to claim workman's comp or sue the company.

Saturday, May 17 at 8:57 AM marmisg wrote ...

i agree with megan,all you illegal people go home.you have no right to get in this conversation!!i am in my 30's and have never done drugs..they should make every factory drug tests and get all these dumb illegals out our factorys.i worked in a cabinet factory and now half of the guys would go get drunk and high at lunch.how many people get hurt then have someone pee for them so they dont get caught alot!! and now all us people that really get hurt nobody wants to beielve.so fire them all

Friday, May 16 at 9:20 PM guy from Plymouth wrote ...

I don't feel a bit sorry for these three amigos who probably have been doing this since work day one. They were more than likely snitched on, and set up. I shudder to think how many workers across the country get high at lunch. This also accounts for poor workmanship quality. Druggies need to go to church and get right with the Lord.

Friday, May 16 at 7:45 PM Wayne wrote ...

You know a cop once told me that "everyone breaks the law just some get caught". So get over it people, you live and learn. Everyone makes mistakes. Peace out!

Friday, May 16 at 7:33 PM Wayne wrote ...

I started reading the comments and I can believe that someone actually named themselves "what a joke"! I bet your family is proud and that you are the joke of your town. A little hint under name is were you put your name. LMAO

Friday, May 16 at 4:31 PM Amused wrote ...

JAS, read my post again. It was aimed at you and another guy. If you had more to say perhaps you could try explaining yourself clearly instead of "uhhh, legalize it, huhuh". And my point had nothing to do with right wing church stuff. Intoxicated at work, intoxicated while driving ..not good ideas. Shove that in your bong and smoke it.

Friday, May 16 at 2:09 PM Disappointed Hope wrote ...

Which one of these guys do you think was supposed to set a good example for our youth ministry at church? I bet these kids will be in for a real shock, or maybe not. How disappointing to see his picture plastered all over the news. Maybe he should have a long talk with his brother-in-law which is the pastor at his church. May you guys find the REAL answers to your problems. Drugs aren't it!

Friday, May 16 at 1:54 PM what a joke wrote ...

To moran I mean ANON, hey how many pounds of weed have you smoked or sold? Was one of these guys your buddy and now you have nobody to get your supply from? Will you be looking for another druggie to share thier stash with you? If weed was legal would you be first in line, good to know your business!

Friday, May 16 at 12:33 PM Amused wrote ...

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Pot smokers arguing that it doesn't make them stupid, and the rest of the world either just doesn't care, or hates pot smokers. I just don't care. Legalize it, or not. Yes I have smoked my share of it, but I grew up at some point and quit. Like I quit drinking and driving, having big hair, wearing too tight pants and really low cut shirts. I like to have grown up fun now, and I enjoy being able to pay for it with my grown up income! Oh- and I also don't care about illegal aliens.

Friday, May 16 at 11:10 AM anon.. wrote ...

To Illegal alien, You not only take jobs, you take other innocent peoples lives and mess them up. Many of the illegals that I worked with until the plant closed, also did and sold drugs, only for some reason, they kept getting away with it.If, the plants you mentioned and many others started doing random drug checks and background checks, then I do agree, many honest people would have a job. But I do not support any illegals,ever.Get legal, then maybe you can have a right to speak.

Friday, May 16 at 11:10 AM B from Warsaw wrote ...

Bravo to Megan from Elkhart! You said exactly what I was thinking!

Friday, May 16 at 11:05 AM Brian wrote ...

Well said, Mary Jane, well said.

Friday, May 16 at 10:31 AM Elkhart wrote ...

People really need to try to get a life such as staying out of others business. God people are so nosy.

Friday, May 16 at 9:48 AM Steve wrote ...

Illegal alien. You just show up drunk, not stoned, so it ends up the same. Little production and a drain on society from everyone who does these stupid behaviors.

Friday, May 16 at 9:28 AM Goshen-ite wrote ...

What I don't understand is why people can't get thru their day without some type of mind altering chemical. Is your life really that bad? And as a PS....would you please learn how to spell??? It's ETC...short for etcetera, not ECT....did you even attend school???

Friday, May 16 at 9:21 AM what-ever wrote ...

just legalize it...there was a time alcohol was illegal....and alcohol impairs your judgement waaayy worse then "pot"!!

Friday, May 16 at 8:12 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Anon must be a pot head

Friday, May 16 at 7:52 AM To Anon 2:48 wrote ...

It isn't in Indiana or most states. And to the ones who have it prescribed in the few states that allow it, they are mostly terminally ill cancer patients and are going to die anyways. It is must cheaper than morphine and other pain killers and doesn't have near the side effects.

Friday, May 16 at 7:39 AM Megan from Elkhart wrote ...

Hey ILLEGAL ALIEN WHO TYPES IN ALL CAPS- pointing to one kind of illegal behavior to alleviate or somehow justify your own is empty and stupid...you're not proving any points other than you have no respect for our laws. You're a drain on our economy- have your read how many people have mentioned they'd gladly take these men's jobs because they're unemployed?! Maybe if lawbreakers like yourself would STAY HOME or come here LAWFULLY, we wouldn't be scoping the news for job ops. GO HOME!

Friday, May 16 at 7:29 AM SS wrote ...

It's been a long time since some people have had an original thought in their head. Let me see... How long has it been since I have heard of a pot related accident? Oh yeah, NEVER

Friday, May 16 at 7:28 AM roger wrote ...

it happens everwhere !! potheads get all the good jobs and a decent person has no chance of getting these jobs, way to go potheads. forest river and keystone are the biggest 2 employers who have these problems, police need to look in their direction on lunch breaks

Friday, May 16 at 7:03 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Anon these boneheads thought the risk of embarrassment, humiliation, and livelihood of the children was worth it or they would not have been doing drugs in the first place. They were being selfish and only thinking of themselves.

Friday, May 16 at 5:48 AM SHORE DO wrote ...

I feel safer already just knowing these 3 "GANGSTUHS" are off the streets....It should be criminal to spend my tax dollars on bs busts like this.

Friday, May 16 at 4:12 AM Fulton County wrote ...

It is not just the the factory and construction industry, look a little higher up the food chain lots of people do it they just hide it a little better. Doctors, Lawyers, Probation Officers you would be amazed. But of course there has to be a few sacrificial lambs to keep the heat off everybody else. Sorry guys hope everything works out ok.

Friday, May 16 at 12:40 AM average joe wrote ...

I agree with citizen. I bet alot of people work next to and around many people taking Prozac, Zanex and other assorted pills all day long. I bet half of those people dont have scrips. And I bet some of you folks know these people and just think nothing of it because they are just prescription pills. Its not like there isnt a black market underworld for those. Its very easy to find a doctor in this country that will prescribe you anything you claim you need. Meth is a real serious problem too!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 11:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...

JAS: petrol is legal, so there's no criminal underground. Someone once told me that the sky was blue, and I said, "I'd like some of what you're smoking" but my would be witty comment fell flat. See how that works? It's not witty unless it fits into the context of what's happening. Get sober, then you'll be able to see these basic things clearly.

Thursday, May 15 at 10:28 PM Elkhart Resident wrote ...

Why spend tax dollars trying to arrest men who are only hurting themselves? It is a complete waste of time for our law enforcement officers to be out on the streets busting pot heads. There is real crime happening in Elkhart. Let the place of employment handle the issue of drug use on the job. To all you local vigilantes out there... mind your own business. Wait till you see a real crime before reporting!

Thursday, May 15 at 10:23 PM IILEGAL ALIEN wrote ...

SEE IT'S NOT THE ILLEGALS TAKING JOBS IT'S IGNORANCE TAKING OVER PEOPLE...PEOPLE LIKE THESE OPEN DOORS FOR PEOPLE LIKE US..IF KEYSTONE,FOREST RIVER,DUTCHMAN ECT....ALL DID THESE KIND OF CHECKS MAYBE THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY WANT TO WORK WILL GET A JOB

Thursday, May 15 at 8:02 PM Elkhart Resident wrote ...

Try Boot Lake Nature Preserve- very busy place on Friday when the paychecks come out. I don't think there are enough police to keep up with the problem. To the person who called in the complaint good job- We need to show people that this type of conduct will not be tolerated!

Thursday, May 15 at 7:25 PM scott wrote ...

where did they work i need a job

Thursday, May 15 at 6:19 PM Elkhart wrote ...

Im a bank teller and paydays at lunch time are the worst, guys and gals come in stinking so bad of pot, the stench makes me want to throw-up.

Thursday, May 15 at 5:51 PM Mary Jane wrote ...

These guys give potheads a bad name- keep it at home, fellas, so you don't evoke all these ready-made fabricated responses about how "stupid" smokers are...some people will just swallow whatever the government tells them! and while the rest of the responsible, otherwise law-abiding smokers are unheard and unseen in the privacy of home sweet home, harming no one. But none of you will ever read or see that on the news;)

Thursday, May 15 at 4:09 PM JAS wrote ...

@ Anonymous 2:27 You really believe that? I'd like some of what you are smoking. Do you think the same when you are filling up your tank at the station? I hope so.

Thursday, May 15 at 4:04 PM JAS wrote ...

@ Amused.. For the record, I never said I supported drug use at work or driving while "high"... Take your self righteous attitude back to church where it belongs. Thanks.

Thursday, May 15 at 3:52 PM RV wrote ...

Just another day in the lives of so many factory workers in Elkhart County. Maybe this will wake a few up, having your pics plastered for all to see...

Thursday, May 15 at 3:43 PM A Person wrote ...

Does anyone remember about the Olie North Contra scandal in the 80s. Crack became an epidemic b/c our country supported cocaine dealers in South America to help fund a resistance movement and buy arms for Iran. That is an undeniable fact, it happened! Arms for Iran, drug epidemic in USA. Whose to blame? The actor who was our president then and General North. Talk about great examples! Its said frequent pot use affects short term memory, or is it long term memory. I can't remember which.

Thursday, May 15 at 3:27 PM Bill and Ted wrote ...

Dude...where's my job?

Thursday, May 15 at 3:11 PM A citizen wrote ...

How many out there realize that people are also taking prescription drugs without prescriptions. I do not condone using any substance on the job, when you get home, do what you want. I agree anyone under the influence in the workforce is a saftey hazzard. If you tested some folks, I wonder how many actually have a scrip for the drugs found in thier system, or really need them. Which drives up the cost of medications for those that actually do need them. I'm not saying smoking pot isnt bad 4 u.

Thursday, May 15 at 3:00 PM Amused wrote ...

Steve-o and JAS,wow you guys are idiots who utterly missed the point. Legal or not, no-big-deal or not (well to jobless hippies I guess it isn't) ... they were intoxicated at work! If I came back from lunch rolling drunk and got fired would you cry then ? I bet not! And like the other person said, after work, these junkies were gonna get in a car and drive, whilst HIGH!

Thursday, May 15 at 2:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

If a joint has that many carcinogens in it, why I ask do doctors prescribe it to so many cancer patients?

Thursday, May 15 at 2:40 PM Just me wrote ...

Gee! I don;t know what type of work these guys did. But I hope they didn;t have a job where they made anything important..might have a few "recalls"???

Thursday, May 15 at 2:34 PM Mike wrote ...

I am glad they got busted. Find something more productive to do than smoke pot. For all you idiots who thinks its harmless. Wait about 20-30 when you come down with cancer then my taxes will pay for your bills because you are too poor to do it yourself. 1 joint has the same amount of carcinogens as 150-200 cigs. Say what you want but pot causes many problems especially while driving. Good job police and good job workers for reporting. Get these drug addicts out of here.

Thursday, May 15 at 2:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Thank you, pot smokers, for providing under world criminal networks, including psychos who rape and kill and are involved in the global sex trade, etc. etc. with the money they need to operate. Thank you. On behalf of all the people world wide who have suffered horribly because of these criminals, thank you for being self indulgent tool boxes.

Thursday, May 15 at 2:26 PM T Gaskill wrote ...

Too bad they didn't say what business this happened at. I'm sure a lot of people would be more than happy to turn their resume in.

Thursday, May 15 at 2:14 PM Angie wrote ...

I appreciate the crack-down, as a wife of a factory worker, I do not want my husband subjected to dangerous people who are working under the influence.

Thursday, May 15 at 2:06 PM Steve-O wrote ...

Big deal--you act like they were out robbing banks on their lunch break. A little smoke and drink never hurt anybody.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:57 PM not amused wrote ...

Hey cigarette smokers - be careful - you're next - they are legal to purchase but illegal to smoke. They could be putting your pictures up next.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:52 PM John M. wrote ...

Maybe the police should try the old Miles Park on Oak Street. Just a hint....

Thursday, May 15 at 1:39 PM jorenz wrote ...

anon is one of those people who does this...that is why he stands up for them. our employment statistics are horrible right now and people are so hooked on these drugs that they jeopardize themselves anyway. someone else who has gotten laid off, will snatch your job in a minute.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:24 PM SS wrote ...

11:59 Anon, You are not alone in your beliefs. As you said, most of the world agrees with you. Unfortunately, you can't shake the beliefs of people that have such unreasonable fear imbedded in their brains. What a waste.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:14 PM Spicoli wrote ...

Dude, like I just lost my arm in this machine...AWESOME!

Thursday, May 15 at 1:10 PM tob wrote ...

Come on fellas highshool was over for you a long time ago...time to grow up.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:08 PM Turtle wrote ...

anon, Doctors prescribe drugs for a specific reason, and they took drugs at lunch because??? Do we really want factory workers high on something running dangerous machinery? Are these guys going to jump in a car and drive home impaired and kill my children in a car accident? If they want to do illegal drugs why not in the privacy of their own home.

Thursday, May 15 at 12:58 PM DJ wrote ...

What a shame,.. maybe the police should also start watching constuction sites,..You want drugs that is where to go,..They have them all and use them all day! How do I know I am an ex-wife of a construction worker.

Thursday, May 15 at 12:42 PM JAS wrote ...

Legalize it.

Thursday, May 15 at 12:39 PM Angie wrote ...

Anon are YOU feeling a little guilty because you get away with it?

Thursday, May 15 at 12:37 PM hillery wrote ...

gee, if one knows they have to work...they know they need a job and that job might have kind of important safety regulations, WHY in the world would they take the chance of doing drugs at LUNCH!!!! Someone could get hurt. I don't care that their pics are posted in the paper. I imagine they have children...what an example to set. Fools

Thursday, May 15 at 12:31 PM Concerned Grandma wrote ...

What a role model for all of our young people!

Thursday, May 15 at 12:29 PM Ralph wrote ...

Believe it or not, this is more common than you might think. Years ago my first job out of high school was at a factory and the guys would have lookouts so they could sneak out back for a quick hit. I also worked for a short time in construction and it was very common to catch guys from all different trades smoking pot and/or drinking whiskey on their breaks.

Thursday, May 15 at 12:24 PM Michelle wrote ...

anon seriously thinks its ok to do drugs during break? What about the other lives they risk by being impaired?YES....even a "doctor prescribed" drug can impair...read labels!

Thursday, May 15 at 12:20 PM annon wrote ...

breaking the law is breaking the law...why does it matter that you think it's a "minor" offense? It's illegal, and they got arrested. It's their own stupidity that lead to their own humiliation and disgrace.

Thursday, May 15 at 11:59 AM anon wrote ...

Nice, 3 lives screwed up..and for what,less effect than any doctor prescribed medicine. And then plastering their pics online..making sure their kids are humiliated as well..HEY..JOB WELL DONE..we can all sleep easier knowing these guys are off the streets..this is why we are considered ignorant by every other country in the world. QUICK jump on your high horse and put me in my place! Tell me how the dangerous druggies are messing up your lives. And make sure you come across as holy as you can.

Thursday, May 15 at 11:59 AM T Gaskill wrote ...

I used to work at Monaco Coach in Wakarusa and drugs are nothing new at a factory. I actually found marijuana near my workbench one time coming back from lunch. Someone was probably reaching for something else in their pocket walking by my table and dropped it while going to lunch. Thats nothing compared to other places. I heard that Forest River lost half their workforce one day because they found drugs and no one would take a drug test. They quit instead so they couldn't be fired.

Thursday, May 15 at 11:54 AM Johnny wrote ...

What a bunch of boneheads!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WSBT Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
The Unit
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: Miami
10.00
CSI: Miami

Question of The Day

Do you think the Founding Fathers would be proud of America today?

For more information, read CNN Poll: Most say Founding Fathers wouldn't be impressed.

  • Yes
  • No