A Niles man found himself under arrest Saturday night and facing multiple charges following a routine traffic stop in Niles Township.

According to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Saturday night, Deputy Ian Dodd initiated a traffic stop on a 1991 Chevrolet vehicle on South 11th Street.
The vehicle was being driven by Ernest Vankirk III, 26, of Niles Township.

During this traffic stop, Dodd placed Vankirk under arrest on a misdemeanor charge of driving on a suspended operator’s license.

Following a search of the vehicle, Dodd located several components and ingredients commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

The Berrien County Sheriff Department’s Narcotics Unit, who are certified in the investigation and dismantling of methamphetamine laboratories were then contacted and investigators responded to the scene to assist in the investigation and the collection of any evidence.

Vankirk was placed under arrest for additional charges of maintaining a drug vehicle and possession of methamphetamine laboratory components.

Vankirk was lodged at the Berrien County Jail pending arraignment at the Berrien County Trial Court on all of the above mentioned charges.