Five people were arrested early Monday morning after Salem police responded to a complaint from the Denny’s Restaurant of suspicious activity in its parking lot.

Salem police arrested 34-year-old Dustin Howell, who said he’s homeless, on an outstanding Clinton County warrant and for alleged obstructing identification; 29-year-old Tiffany Diel and 27-year-old Scott Kerns, both of Centralia, for alleged possession of methamphetamine and a controlled substance; 22-year-old Matthew Woods, of Centralia, on a parole hold and for alleged possession of meth; and 26-year-old Robert Barton, of Centralia, for alleged possession of a controlled substance.

According to police, when they first approached Denny’s, Howell and Woods were leaving the restaurant. Howell allegedly gave officers a false name, and officers found what is alleged to be meth in Woods’ backpack.

Officers came into contact with Kerns inside the restaurant. Because Kerns is on parole he was subject to being searched. Officers reportedly found meth and narcotic pills inside a pen Kerns was carrying.

Diel was paying for two rooms at the Days Inn where she was staying with Kerns. After police received her permission to search the hotel rooms, officers found additional narcotic pills and cannabis in both rooms Kerns and Diel were both occupying.

Barton showed up looking for the other four while officers were still working the case. Salem PD’s canine officer alerted on Barton’s car and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed narcotic pills both in the vehicle and on Barton.

All five individuals were taken to the Marion County Jail.

Dustin Howell

Matthew Woods

Robert Burton

Scott Kerns

Tiffany Diel