MITCHELL — A Mitchell man was transported to the hospital for medical clearance before being booked into jail Saturday afternoon following a public intoxication incident that left him unable to stand or communicate clearly.
William D. Moore, 58, of Mitchell, was arrested by the Mitchell Police Department on a preliminary charge of public intoxication, a Class B Misdemeanor, after a breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) more than four times the legal driving limit.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Sergeant Garrett Jacobs, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:44 p.m. to Growby’s Rent to Own at 1602 Wilkins Way. Upon arrival, Sgt. Jacobs encountered Moore standing near a motorcycle.
The officer noted that Moore’s speech was “heavily slurred” and he was struggling to maintain his balance. The level of impairment was so high that when asked for identification, Moore repeatedly tried to hand the officer a debit card, insisting it was his ID.
As the interaction continued, Moore’s physical condition reportedly deteriorated. Moore began stumbling so severely that Sgt. Jacobs had to catch him to prevent him from falling. After being told to sit on the curb for his safety, Moore sprawled out on his back, face-up on the ground. Police stated that Moore’s responses were completely incomprehensible.
Due to Moore’s inability to stand safely, Sgt. Jacobs and a Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy placed him under arrest. A search of Moore’s person allegedly uncovered a clear plastic bottle of Smirnoff vodka.
Moore initially struggled to perform a preliminary breath test. A successful attempt was later conducted once he was secured in a patrol vehicle. The test resulted in a reading of .327—a level considered a medical emergency.
Because of the extreme level of intoxication, Moore had to be transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for medical clearance. Even during the hospital examination, staff reportedly struggled with Moore as he refused to stay seated and continued to speak incoherently.
The ordeal continued at the Lawrence County Jail, where authorities say Moore remained non-compliant with jail staff. He reportedly refused to follow orders or change clothes for a mandatory body scan. As a result, jailers placed Moore in a detox room until he reached a level of sobriety that would allow the booking process to be completed.
While Sgt. Jacobs noted that his body camera malfunctioned during the arrest, video of the interaction was provided by a witness at the scene to be used as evidence.
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.
