Full Notification

On October 30, 2017, at 4:22 a.m. Deputy Loren Barchett initiated a traffic stop on a Black 2015 Honda Civic after receiving a complaint that the vehicle had ran another motorist off the road. Upon catching up with the vehicle Deputy Barchett observed the vehicle cross the center line several times. At that point Deputy Barchett initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as 33 year old Crystal Wathen of Hazleton, Indiana. While speaking with Ms. Wathen Deputy Barchett detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver and began a roadside DUI investigation. During the investigation a loaded handgun was found inside the center console and was taken into evidence by Deputy Barchett. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Barchett placed Ms. Wathen into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated/Refusal (DUI/Refusal) and Carrying a Handgun without a License. She has since posted a $650 bond.

Assisting Deputy Barchett in his investigation was Officer Chelsea Jones and Dan Goedde of the Princeton Police Department.

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.