An Indiana State Senate candidate’s campaign run took an unexpected turn into a jail cell this past weekend. Andrew Dezelan, a Democrat vying for District 31, was arrested Sunday evening in a Fishers neighborhood following a confrontation with local police that began over a simple solicitation complaint.
The incident unfolded around 8 p.m. when a resident reported someone soliciting door-to-door. According to court documents filed in Hamilton County, an officer located Dezelan’s vehicle and initiated a conversation regarding the legal distinction between soliciting and political canvassing.
While Dezelan, 38, claimed he had permission from the Homeowner’s Association to be there, the officer noted several physical red flags. Reports indicate that Dezelan appeared to be sweating profusely, speaking at a rapid pace, and had pinpoint pupils.
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The situation escalated when the officer asked Dezelan to step out of his car. Instead of complying immediately, Dezelan allegedly put the vehicle in reverse before finally stopping. A brief physical struggle followed, resulting in the officer bringing Dezelan to the ground to place him in handcuffs.
A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a small plastic baggie filled with white powder. Field tests later confirmed the substance was cocaine. Dezelan now faces charges for cocaine possession and resisting law enforcement.
Prior to his run for office, Dezelan spent over a decade as the policy director for the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus. His campaign platform has focused heavily on the economic hurdles facing small business owners and the complexities of Medicare for retirees.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Dezelan’s campaign team has not released an official statement regarding the arrest.
He is one of three Democrats competing in a crowded primary for the District 31 seat, which also features three Republican contenders.
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