Single vehicle accident leads to arrest of Tennessee man on multiple charges. 
On April 12, 2024, at 4:35 p.m. off duty Deputy Michael Owens came up on a single vehicle accident on Interstate 69 near the 37 Mile Marker. Deputy Owens notified Central Dispatch of the accident and Deputy Eric Powell a deputy who was working at the time was dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving Deputy Eric Powell observed an Orange and White 2017 Chevy Van had left the roadway and entered a ditch where it traveled approximately 500 feet. While investigating the incident Deputy Powell observed a clear plastic baggie hanging out of the pocket of 46 year old Kenneth Oritz’s pocket. At that point Deputy Powell with the assistance of Deputy Michael Owens, Sgt. Loren Barchett, and Special Deputy James Tucker began a roadside OWI/Drug investigation.
When the investigation was completed Deputy Powell placed Mr. Ortiz, a Jackson, Tennessee resident into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Ortiz was charged with:
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated/ Drug
Possession of Heroin
Possession of Methamphetamines
Possession of Marijuana
2 counts of Possession of Paraphernalia.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Address/Location
Gibson County Sheriff
112 E Emerson St
Princeton, IN 47670
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 812-385-3496
