An Indiana man faces federal charges in Missouri after being accused of possessing cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute. Nickolas J Burch, 36, from Hammond, Indiana, was charged by criminal complaint and appeared in court on two counts: possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court documents, the incident took place on November 15, 2025. A Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper observed a black SUV traveling northbound on I-35 in Daviess County at 103 miles per hour. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated further, reaching speeds up to 128 miles per hour before crashing into a field.
After the crash, Burch reportedly exited the vehicle carrying a red duffle bag and fled on foot. Law enforcement officers pursued him and were able to take him into custody after he resisted arrest. Officers recovered the red duffle bag from the field; it contained $205,950 in cash. Inside the SUV, authorities found another duffel bag containing about two kilograms of cocaine and 18 pounds of marijuana.
Authorities emphasized that “the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith and was investigated by multiple agencies including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Daviess County Sheriff’s Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
