CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- Clarksville Police say they've arrested a potentially big-time drug dealer.
The welcome mat at Mark Willis' home on Elm Street in Clarksville says home says "home of the free". So it might be just a little ironic that he actually lost his freedom on Tuesday morning.
"Basically saw him in handcuffs with the sheriff," says a neighbor, who does not want to be identified.
She says, "It is a little bit of a shock 'cause I would never suspect that."
The neighbor is reacting to what Clarksville police say they found inside Willis' home.
"Really, they didn't know if he was growing it for personal use, you know, they was thinking it could be anywhere between 10 and 20 plants. Turned out it was 50," says Darrell Rayborn, Chief of Detectives Clarksville Police.
Tuesday morning, Willis was arrested and taken to jail and police loaded all of the marijuana plants on to the back of a truck, but the investigation started a few days ago when Willis was seen allegedly buying products consistent with growing the drug.
Rayborn say, "They eye witnessed him coming from the store so that gave them a reason to wonder what was going on and then from other information that they had that he was possibly dealing out of here."
And the moment police hit the door, you could say the odor gave it away. "It's strong enough that you realize when you open the door that there's something going on inside," says Rayborn.
It's all still a big shock to neighbors but there was one thing about Willis that sent up red flags.
"You know, with him being home everyday...you do wonder what is going on...you know as a man...not having a job."
50 plants is a big bust for this area. Rayborn says, "It's just one more off the street; we know there's plenty more out there."
Willis is being held at the Clark County Detention Center.
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