Staff Reports
Columbus police officers arrested a North Vernon man on several charges after receiving a report of an intoxicated driver on U.S. 31.
Officers responded to the 1700 block of N. National Road at about 9:40 p.m. Thursday in regards to a vehicle that was traveling erratically, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.
Officers located the vehicle a short time later and made contact with the driver who was identified as Michael W. Holt, 33, of North Vernon, Harris said.
While speaking with Holt, the officers noted that he was unable to keep his eyes open and appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant, Harris said. After failing several field sobriety tests, Holt was secured in handcuffs when he refused to submit to a blood test, Harris said. While searching Holt’s clothing incident to arrest, the officers located a small bag of methamphetamine, Harris said. They later located a glass pipe and digital scale with drug residue while searching Holt’s vehicle.
Holt was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital where officers applied for and later received a search warrant for a blood draw. Holt was eventually remanded to the Bartholomew County Jail on the following preliminary charges:
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Holt was being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $63,500 bond, jail officials said.
