On September 1, 2026, at 7:18 p.m. Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Burgandy 2019 Lincoln MKZ after observing multiple moving violations on US 41 near Deadman’s Curve near Fort Branch. Upon stopping the vehicle on the off ramp from US 41 to County Road 550 South Deputy Powell detected multiple clues that the driver 49-year-old Lynn Matchem of West Salem, Illinois was under the influence. Upon asking the driver out of the vehicle to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests Deputy Powell detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Mr. Matchem’s breath. At the conclusion of the roadside inquiry Mr. Matchem was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of Marijuana.
Deputies Wes Baumgart, Aubrey McNeely, 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.
