Pursuit ends with discovery of mobile meth lab in Kosciusko County

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Ryan Kauffman (left) and James Hoskins

Ryan Kauffman (left) and James Hoskins (Photos provided)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 4, 2008 at 11:55 AM EST

Story Updated: Dec 4, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — A vehicle pursuit from Nappanee to Etna Green turned into a foot pursuit, which ended in two arrests and the discovery of a mobile methamphetamine lab on Wednesday.

Nappanee police began the chase at approximately 11:45 a.m. until the suspects abandoned their car behind the Etna Green Fire Station. Several area police agencies surrounded the area. An Indiana State Police K-9 unit tracked the suspects to a cellar behind a nearby residence, where two suspects were found with weapons and various drugs.

Police found 7.2 grams of meth, more than 8 grams of marijuana, 12.9 grams of ephedrine, and two handguns inside the cellar.

A full meth lab was discovered inside the trunk of a vehicle on the property. It was dismantled and secured by Indiana State Police.

Ryan Michael Kauffman, 26, of Warsaw was arrested on preliminarily charges of possession of methamphetamine, fleeing law enforcement, and an outstanding battery warrant out of Kosciusko County. His bond was set at $100,000.

James Albert Hoskins, 40, of Warsaw was arrested on preliminarily charges of possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding molesting/fondling warrant out of Kosciusko County. His bond was also set at $100,000.

Tuesday, Dec 16 at 3:12 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Everyone knew what Ryan was into. I mean come on this has been goin on for quite awhile. I think alot of us were just hoping that Ryan would change his ways. Looks like its going be something drastic thats going to make him change! At heart Ryan is a good person. I went to school with him like others on here and I do care about what happens to him but this was a long time coming! Sorry it had to be this way though!

Monday, Dec 8 at 12:06 PM hahah wrote ...

Was the meth really worth it?? I think not!!! Way to go law enforcement!!

Friday, Dec 5 at 8:33 PM Bremen Guy wrote ...

WOW....just think, they went from salesmen of Meth to Retired. Now we, as tax payers get to support the very ones that provide dope to kids. Good Goin' Law Enforcement, 2 more off the street....KEEP UP THE OUTSTANDING WORK YOU GUYS DO.

Friday, Dec 5 at 7:30 PM oblivious wrote ...

just about the entire town of bourbon has known what ryan has been doing and dealing for YEARS! except the police! glad they finally caught up with the rest of us!bourbon is a better place to live now

Friday, Dec 5 at 4:18 PM The one that doesnt care wrote ...

To Afghanistan: THAT PERSON knew they made the right decision years ago when they made that decision, they didnt need this to confirm it!!!! Ryan was a loser then and an even bigger loser now.

Friday, Dec 5 at 1:55 PM RAY Warsaw wrote ...

We all have made bad and even criminal choices that we have not been caught for. Yes, their crime is terrible and they should pay for it. But what is more concerning are the hateful comments on Ryan's behalf. What if you cared enough to help a fellow class mate by encouraging him to do what is right and supporting him. Instead of waiting to hinch him as soon as he gets caught. Dad, Mom, Brother, Ry. My heart is heavy for you. You are in our prayers. We serve a Loving God who changes us.

Friday, Dec 5 at 9:48 AM Afghanistan wrote ...

I always new you were a piece of work ryan... You ruined a good thing that you had years ago. This really makes that person know she made the right choice.

Friday, Dec 5 at 8:22 AM anonymous wrote ...

Yeah Ryan did have a future at one point and his parents are nice people and its sad that he took this to his grandmothers house!! But he will get out cause he is a snitch and will tell on others so he doesn't do time himself.

Friday, Dec 5 at 6:29 AM bee wrote ...

troy,you already know that didnt solve the problemthey tried it and it didnt work.now the dumb jerks are getting caught thru their own stupidity.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:06 PM Tippecanoe wrote ...

IDIOTS!! Max em out!!! Everyone complains about prisons and jails being overly crowded well people like this should be maxed and let the dumb crap go with probabtion or house arrest!!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 6:27 PM Troy wrote ...

I was told that moving the cold medicine behind the counter was going to solve this problem.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 6:09 PM Girlfriend snatcher wrote ...

Good job Ryan,we always knew you had it in you (LITERALLY).Mom,dad and big brother should be proud.Good job police....

Thursday, Dec 4 at 5:57 PM grh wrote ...

The problem is, as these genius's procreate, the gene pool gets more shallow. Hence, the high school drop out rate and low ISTEP scores. To quote Chevy Chase in Caddyshack: See your future, be your future. Nunn-nunn-nunn

Thursday, Dec 4 at 4:49 PM Simon P. McNudd wrote ...

There must be something about making meth that makes a dude want a black rat stuck on their chin. The last pictures of meth dealers had a black rat stuck on their chin. Want to know how to spot a potential meth maker??? Look for a black rat on the dude's chin.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 4:27 PM Dave Goshen wrote ...

Time for the judge to sentance to the fullest extent of the law. Outstanding warrant for battery? Outstanding warrant for molesting/fondling? Why are they on the street?

Thursday, Dec 4 at 3:11 PM From Bremen wrote ...

Ryan used to be a good kid...now look at him busted for a methlab with a child molester...wow what a guy

Thursday, Dec 4 at 2:59 PM rosco wrote ...

good job by the police... lets get some more!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Er Drugs Are Bad....hmmm k

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:38 PM Homer wrote ...

here we go again!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:29 PM Rick wrote ...

Dumb and Dumber.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:27 PM Stick wrote ...

Just think, after many years of methamphetamine use you to could look like these guys. I wonder what they think about the Auto bail out, Dar Fur, or the Mumbai attacks? Just a couple of fine upstanding citizens.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:22 PM Mel wrote ...

Every day we have mugshots of methheads. When will they learn?....you WILL get caught.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:08 PM warsaw wrote ...

This has been going on for a long time...If the police wouldn't have to wait to get the big guys, it wouldn't maybe gotten so out of hand... Good job anyway police!!!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:04 PM Steve-O wrote ...

Come on guys, if your running you have to drop the goods on you. You cant get caught with it. Are criminals getting dumber everyday or is this Meth really that good to hold on just in case you dont get caught.

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