Vigo County-Today, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Officer Roger Wheasler stopped a refrigerated truck on US 41 near Springhill Road at the south edge of Terre Haute. The traffic stop was for a seatbelt violation committed by the male driver.
During the traffic stop, Officer Wheasler began conducting his inspection of the required paper work, refrigerated load and the truck. It was during these inspections, Wheasler noticed the interior compartment of the refrigeration unit appeared to be at 81 degrees. Further investigation found the refrigeration cooling unit had been placed in the off position, therefore not allowing for continuous cooling of the delivery products. Stored in the compartment were approximately 400 pounds of assorted meats, such as chicken, clams, fish and other seafood. The temperature should have been at 40 degrees or cooler.
The Vigo County Health Department was contacted and health inspectors Travella Myers and Theresa Jackson went to the scene to examine the load. The health inspectors conducted their own investigation and found the actual temperature of the assorted boxes of meats was approximately 72 degrees. The inspectors then ordered the meats to be disposed of at the Vigo County Landfill. Health inspectors Myers and Jackson then witness the off-loading of the meats at the landfill.
The driver of the truck was Bao Gui Ke, age 39, of New York, NY. He was driving a 2006 Mitsubishi Refrigeration truck for HK Trucking of Indianapolis, IN. The driver was making numerous stops at local Asian restaurants in Terre Haute. He was issued citations by Indiana State Police for seatbelt violation and not speaking English, which is required by Federal Motor Carrier Standards. The driver was then placed out of service.
Questions concerning the Vigo Health Department investigation should be directed to the Health Department at 812-462-3428.
Questions concerning the Indiana State Police should be directed to Sergeant Joe Watts.
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