A North Vernon couple face drug-related charges after an incident early Monday that left a Jackson County police officer injured.

Joshua William Brewer, 32, and Dawn Renae Brewer, 30, both of 430 S. Hickory Hill Drive, were each arrested on charges stemming from the incident at County Road 400E and State Road 258 in Hamilton Township, Sheriff Michael Carothers reported.

The incident began when county Officer Brad Barker was sitting in his vehicle in a farmer’s lane working on closing out calls on his computer, Carothers said. That’s when Barker reported he saw a van fail to use a turn signal at a nearby intersection.

The motorist then briefly shut off the lights of the vehicle before turning them back on and driving past the lane where Barker was parked, he said.

Those actions prompted Barker to stop the 1999 Ford Windstar. He identified Dawn Brewer as the driver and Joshua Brewer as a passenger.

Dawn Brewer was arrested on a Bartholomew County warrant. While questioning Joshua Brewer, county Officer Mark Holt noticed a handgun between the two front seats of the van. When asked about the weapon, Brewer attempted to flee on foot, police said.

Barker and Holt wound up firing their Tasers to help apprehend Joshua Brewer. County Officer Marc Hutchinson also assisted with his capture.

Carothers said Barker sustained a cut to his leg and was bleeding after the incident. He did not require hospitalization, however, Carothers said.

During a search of the van, officers reported they found a Glock 9mm handgun, drug paraphernalia, crystal methamphetamine and an LP gas tank that had been altered with fittings and hoses similar to other tanks used to transport stolen anhydrous ammonia to make methamphetamine, Barker said.

During a search at the jail, jail Officer Levi Caudill reported he found almost a gram of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana on Joshua Brewer.

Joshua Brewer faces charges of battery on an officer, resisting law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit theft, possession of marijuana and trafficking with an inmate. His wife

faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with a firearm, possession of paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit theft, possession of a syringe and possession of a handgun without a license. Dawn Brewer also was wanted on a probation violation out of Bartholomew County.

Seymour K-9 Officer Adam Surface assisted with the investigation.

Both Brewers were being held Monday afternoon at the Jackson County Jail

in Brownstown pending initial hearings.