OOLITIC – A Spencer man was arrested for public intoxication on Monday evening after Oolitic Marshal’s Office officers responded to a welfare check at Casey’s located in the 100 block of 7th Street in Oolitic.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Shane Hickman, officers were dispatched at approximately 6:12 p.m. to a report of an unconscious man outside the store. Upon arrival, they found James G. Eads, 63, sitting on firewood with food in front of him.
After multiple attempts, officers woke Eads, who appeared disheveled with glassy eyes and pinpoint pupils. A bottle of Dimitri Gin was found on Eads’ nearby bicycle. Eads denied ownership of the bottle and became verbally abusive towards officers. He reportedly slurred his speech, exhibited poor manual dexterity, and was evasive when asked about drinking.
Eads allegedly refused a portable breath test (PBT) and stated he wanted to go to the hospital to cost the state more money. He also reportedly became more aggressive and attempted to walk past officers after being informed he would be jailed for public intoxication.
Eads was eventually restrained and transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for medical clearance before being remanded to the Lawrence County Jail on a charge of public intoxication. He also refused a PBT at the jail. His bicycle was left at Casey’s for later retrieval.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
