Hazleton woman arrested for OWI. 
On April 16, 2025, at 4:08 p.m., Deputy Eric Powell, who was observing for motorists utilizing telecommunications devices and/or cell phones during the “Operation Pull Over” blitz, observed a Blue Chevy SUV holding her cell phone while the vehicle was in motion. At that point, Deputy Powell conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of West Broadway in Princeton. Upon approaching the car, Deputy Powell identified the driver as 42-year-old Jonelle Ota of Hazleton. While speaking with Ms. Ota, Deputy Powell detected multiple clues that the driver may be impaired. At that point, Deputy Powell began a roadside OWI investigation. After the inquiry, Ms. Ota was placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.
Deputies Wes Baumgart, Shawn Holmes, and Bart Wagner assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation.
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
