Marion – This morning, a citizen’s tip led to the arrest of a semi-tractor driver who was allegedly driving with a blood alcohol concentration over three times the .08 limit in which a driver is considered intoxicated in Indiana.
This morning, at approximately 9:43 a.m., Indiana State Police Sergeant Mike Tomson and Trooper Bart Stouffer were conducting traffic enforcement in a highway work zone on I-69 near the 271 mile marker, in Grant County. As the troopers were monitoring traffic, a motorist flagged them down and reported a semi-tractor that was driving erratically on southbound I-69 near the construction zone. The officers caught up to a 2012 Freightliner semi-tractor, pulling a closed box trailer, near the 270 mile marker. The troopers observed the semi allegedly swerve erratically from lane to lane, cross the center line, and drive on the shoulder of the highway.
The troopers initiated a traffic stop on the semi by activating the emergency lighting and sirens on their police vehicles. The semi driver, later identified as Jason Hunsberger, 42, Elwood, IN, drove for approximately three miles before stopping his vehicle. Hunsberger pulled over after Sergeant Tomson drove on the side of the truck to get Hunsberger to notice the police vehicles. At one point he almost hit Tomson’s police car when the semi swerved into the officer’s lane of travel. Tomson took evasive action and avoided a crash.
During the traffic stop, officers purportedly observed signs that Hunsberger was possibly impaired. Further investigation revealed that Hunsberger had a blood concentration of .26. He was arrested and incarcerated in Grant County Jail to face a misdemeanor charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He was also issued traffic citations for unsafe lane movement, driving left of the center line, consuming intoxicating beverages four hours prior to driving a commercial motor vehicle, and operating a commercial motor vehicle without wearing glasses or contacts as required.
Hunsberger was hauling canned food products from Napoleon, OH to Monroe, GA. He was driving for Pam Transport Inc, based in Tontitown, AR.
Hoosiers are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give the dispatcher a location, suspect vehicle description, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.
Master Trooper Randy Renbarger and Motor Carrier Inspector Joe Robinson assisted with this investigation.
Photo attached is Jason Hunsberger
