Posey County – Indiana State Police and Posey County Sheriff’s Department arrested a 52-year-old Vincennes man this morning after he drove 83 mph through a school zone in front of Marrs Elementary School while under the influence of alcohol.

At approximately 7:44 a.m. this morning, Posey County Deputy Danny Montgomery was patrolling S.R. 62 near Marrs Elementary School.  Deputy Montgomery observed a Dodge Avenger traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed and passing other vehicles.  Deputy Montgomery activated his radar and clocked the vehicle at 83 mph in the school zone. The vehicle was stopped and the driver identified himself as Jeffery Harper, 52, of Vincennes.  Moments later, Troopers Brad Miller and John Puskas arrived to assist.  While talking to Harper a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected and his speech was slurred. When officers asked Harper to exit his vehicle they observed a beer can between the driver’s seat and the center console.  Further investigation revealed Harper was legally intoxicated.  He was arrested and is currently being held on bond in the Posey County Jail.

ARRESTED AND CHARGES:
Jeffery Alan Harper, 52, 80 West, Montgomery Avenue, Vincennes, IN
1. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with a Prior, Class D Felony
2. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Brad Miller, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Posey County Deputy Danny Montgomery, Trooper John Puskas

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