Three South Bend men were arrested on meth-related charges just after 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, during a traffic stop on Ironwood Drive.

Taylor M. McKnight, 25, and Allan J. Setterblad, 54, were arrested on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine precursors and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, according to a news release from Indiana State Excise Police.

Clarence R. Sons, 36, was arrested on preliminary charges of driving while suspended prior, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine precursors, and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. He was convicted in 2004 of dealing and manufacturing meth.

An Indiana State Excise Police officer saw McKnight, Setterblad and Sons in the parking lot of Walgreens at 1251 N. Ironwood Drive and believed they were acting suspiciously, according to the news release.

The men got into a vehicle and drove off. As the car was leaving the parking lot, the driver — later identified as Sons — spun the tires and then sped down Ironwood Drive, according to the news release.

The officer pulled over the vehicle and saw that the men were trying to hide items. A search of the vehicle found multiple items commonly used to make meth, including lithium batteries and packages of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, according tot he news release. 

All three men are being held at the St. Joseph County Jail.