Off-Duty Putnamville Sergeant Spots and Stops Impaired Driver
Vigo County—This afternoon at 2:00, off-duty Indiana State Police Sergeant Kris Fitzgerald of the Putnamville Post, was traveling with his two sons westbound on old Fort Harrison Road toward the North Terre Haute area, when he spotted a westbound blue 2000 Jeep Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed, disregard a stop sign, and then continued left of center on Smith Street in the Shrine Hill area.
Believing the erratic driver needed stopped immediately to prevent a crash, Sergeant Fitzgerald stopped the vehicle and approached the driver. During conversations with the driver, he noticed what appeared to be signs consistent with alcohol impairment. Fitzgerald radioed for an on-duty trooper to assist and Trooper Brian Thomas responded.
The driver was identified as 40-year-old Yvonne Sue Clark of Terre Haute, IN. Clark was taken to the Vigo County Jail where she failed a breath test for intoxication by testing .208% BAC.
Trooper Thomas charged Clark with Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated (misdemeanor).
This is just one of the many examples around the state of Indiana, where off-duty troopers have responded to urgent police matters while utilizing the off-duty privileges of the issued police vehicle. This very example may have prevented serious injury or death from a crash.
Civilians may report suspected dangerous or impaired drivers by dialing 911.
Attached picture is Yvonne Clark.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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SGT. JOE WATTS
