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Former State Speaker Of House Arrested

Last updated on Thursday, April 25, 2013

(INDIANAPOLIS) - A former Speaker of the Indiana House has been arrested after crashing into a pay booth in a parking garage while driving intoxicated.

According to a police report, an IMPD officer was called to the Circle Centre Mall parking garage late Tuesday night to the report of a crash.

Police say 69-year-old Michael Phillips crashed into a pay booth in the garage and knocked a metal pole to the ground.

While talking with Phillips, the officer noticed an odor to his breath and observed he was slurring his speech and couldn't keep his balance. Phillips said he had a couple of glasses of wine.

The officer then conducted a sobriety test on Phillips. During the test, he nearly fell and needed help standing up. He also said he did not understand the test the officer was giving him.

While the officer began reading implied consent to Phillips, he said, "I'm a lawyer. I know what you're reading me." Phillips then told the officer he wanted to refuse consent.

Phillips was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital for a blood draw. He told officers they were making a mistake, that he was not drunk and not above .08, according to the report.

Phillips tested a .16 percent and was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

He served as Indiana Speaker of the House and Democratic leader for a number of years.

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