Full Notification

Wayne County – Around 6:15 p.m. this evening, Pendleton Trooper Scott McPheeters was off duty, and doing yard work at his home located in rural south western Wayne County, when he heard a lawn mower coming up his driveway. He walked around to the front of his home, where his children were playing, to see a man and a small boy driving up on a riding lawn mower.

The man, who was obviously intoxicated, asked McPheeters for a tow, then became vulgar and belligerent when McPheeters offered to call a ride for the man and little boy. McPheeters took his own children into his home and called for assistance. He then went back out to await the backup, and to attempt to calm the man.

At one point the man, Samuel L. Wilson, age 22 of Shay St., Connersville, pulled a knife from his belt and threatened McPheeters; but the trooper was able to talk him into putting the knife down. When Cambridge City Officer Larry Kuhn arrived, the man resisted and refused to follow directions, and even attempted to use his five year old son as a shield. Officers were able to get the boy free from the man and take him into custody.

Wilson, who had a B.A.C. of more than two times the .08% legal limit, was arrested and charged with Intimidation, Level 6 Felony; Criminal Recklessness, Level 6 Felony; Operating While Intoxicated with a passenger less than 18 years of age, Level 6 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement, Class “B” Misdemeanor. Trooper Josh Bayly, who arrived shortly after Officer Kuhn, arrested Wilson and transported him to the Wayne County Jail.

Division of Child Services was also called to the scene, and the five year old boy was released to his custodial parent. McPheeters was assisted at the scene by Cambridge City Officer Larry Kuhn, Pendleton District Troopers, Centerville Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law