Welfare check nets impaired driver. 
On August 7, 2024, at 2:06 a.m. Deputy Michael Bates pulled into the Huck’s parking lot located at 78 East State Road 168 near Fort Branch and observed a female slumped over the front seat of a Silver 2006 Chevrolet Impala. At that point Deputy Bates knocked on the window of the vehicle to conduct a welfare check. Upon waking the female up Deputy Bates identified the driver as 29 year old Melanie O’Brien of Cynthiana. While speaking with Ms. O’Brien Deputy Bates detected multiple clues that she was under the influence of an unknown intoxicant. At that point Deputy Bates began a roadside OWI investigation. Upon completing the investigation Ms. O’Brien was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Deputy Bates was assisted in his investigation by Sgt. John Fischer and Fort Branch Officer Louis Jerrell.
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
