Overdose Victim, Pill Supplier Arrested Near Park

Friday, May 10, 2019 at 8:23 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

Lawrenceburg Police say the drug deal occurred near Arch Street Park.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A drug overdose resulted in the victim and her neighbor being charged and arrested.

First responders found 23-year-old Melanie Rutledge overdosed at an apartment on East High Street in downtown Lawrenceburg on March 22. She was still conscious and breathing when Lawrenceburg Police officers arrived, according to a court affidavit.

Rutledge told police and EMTs she had been given Suboxone by her neighbor, Christopher Huntington. Rutledge also said she had taken Xanax and Gabapentin, drank alcohol and smoked marijuana.

Police interviewed Huntington, who allegedly told them he obtained the Suboxone illegally and traded pills with Rutledge.

Huntington, 32, is charged with Dealing in a Controlled Substance (level 6 felony) and Possession of a Legend Drug (level 6 felony).

Rutledge, 25, faces charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A misdemeanor) and Sale of a Legend Drug (level 6 felony)

Police noted in the affidavit that the charges could be elevated because of the apartment’s proximity to Arch Street Park.