MOUNT VERNON – A Mount Vernon resident was arrested on drug and weapons charges after a search of her Center Street residence on Nov. 15.

The Emergency Services Unit and Detective Division from the Mount Vernon Police Department, joined by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office TRU, executed a search warrant at 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 15 at 127 North Center St.

Officers seized a large quantity of drugs, drug paraphernalia, cash and a handgun from the residence. The search warrant was obtained after an ongoing drug investigation by Mount Vernon Police into activities at the residence.

Ashley Bales, 25, the home's resident, was arrested and charged with drug possession and having a weapon while under a disability.

She was taken to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Jail, where she was being held. The investigation continues and may result in additional charges.

The Mount Vernon Police Department is a member of the METRICH Enforcement Unit, a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task force that aims to reduce the availability of illegal drugs and weapons.