Indiana Statewide– The Indiana State Police announced today they will join over 250 other Indiana law enforcement agencies to increase education and enforcement around dangerous and impaired driving. From March 4 through March 27, 2016, state troopers, county deputies and city police officers all across Indiana will conduct high-visibility patrols specifically designated to identify and intercept those driving aggressively and under the influence.

“I enjoy the month of March, with all the great basketball as well as the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, just as much as any other Hoosier,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “But I caution anyone thinking of using this, or any other reason, as an excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”  Carter concluded, “Speaking for the state police, nearly all of us, like most of you, have friends and loved ones that will be out on the road driving responsibly.  So if we see people who are driving dangerously; know that we will stop them and if they’re impaired, they will be arrested.”

Increased enforcement during March is a statewide effort supported by federal funding allocated to the Indiana State Police from the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).  Over the course of this enforcement campaign the state police will have more than 150 troopers working overtime looking for aggressive or impaired drivers.

According to ICJI, in March 2015 there were 529 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana, resulting in 214 injuries and five fatalities. Additionally, during the same period, crash reports indicate 1,606 collisions occurred due to dangerous driving, resulting in 332 injuries and four fatalities. Dangerous driving includes such factors as “speed too fast for weather conditions,” “driver distracted,” and “driver asleep or fatigued.”

“Keeping our roadways safe is a priority.” said ICJI Executive Director Dave Murtaugh. “Our dedicated officers who patrol our roadways all across the state are the first line of defense. Motorist need to do their part to ensure our roadways are safe by making responsible choices. From watching the basketball tournament action to taking part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, it’s up to you to be safe and responsible. If you are going to drink, do not drive. It’s that simple.”

Crashes resulting from dangerous and impaired driving are preventable. The ISP and ICJI would like to remind motorists safe driving is as simple as following these easy steps:

• Before the celebration begins, plan a safe way home
• Do not drive impaired
• If you do drink, use a taxi, public transportation, ridesharing service or designate a sober friend or family member, and give them your keys
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely

Gibson County – Last night at approximately 8:30, Trooper Ross Rafferty was patrolling I-69 when he stopped the driver of a 1999 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck for making an unsafe lane movement near
SR 168. The driver was identified as Clint Meier, 53, of Hazleton.

Trooper Mike Finney and his K-9, Boomer, were nearby and responded to assist. When they arrived Finney’s K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside Meier’s vehicle. Troopers searched the vehicle and found a large Ziploc bag containing 450 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The street value of the crystal meth is approximately $20,000. Meier was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:
• Clint D. Meier, 53, Hazleton, IN
1. Possession of Methamphetamine over 10 grams, Class 3 Felony
2. Dealing in Methamphetamine over 10 grams, Class 2 Felony

Arresting Officer: Trooper Ross Rafferty, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officers: Trooper Mike Finney and his K-9, Boomer
Trooper Wes Kuykendall