LAWRENCE CO. – A Springville man was arrested Tuesday night on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and OWI with endangerment after crashing his car into a utility pole.
Upon arriving at the crash scene, Sgt. Daugherty-Anderson observed a man walking near the damaged vehicle. The driver was later identified as Blake Allen Scott Carlisle, 24, of Springville. Carlisle, driving a blue BMW, was lying on the ground near his car. When asked why he was driving so fast, Carlisle reportedly stated he was “being stupid.” He confirmed he had left the area of the 300 block of Poplar Bluff Road, stating he had been visiting his ex-girlfriend. When asked about the crash, Carlisle allegedly said he did not mean to hit the pole and lost control of the car coming around a turn, adding he did not know his speed.
Carlisle reportedly told Captain Harrison Fleetwood, who arrived to assist, that he had consumed 7-8 drinks that evening. While waiting for EMS to evaluate Carlisle for minor injuries, Sgt. Daugherty-Anderson collected vehicle parts. A neighbor provided video surveillance of the crash, which reportedly showed Carlisle’s car crashing into the pole and flipping once before stopping.
After being cleared by EMS, Carlisle was transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital for medical clearance. Before transport, Carlisle was read Indiana Implied Consent and agreed to a blood draw. When asked how much he had to drink, Carlisle allegedly stated “whatever is left in the car,” indicating he had been drinking Smirnoff’s since around 4:00 p.m., both at his residence and before going to Poplar Bluff Road. A portable breath test administered at the scene showed a blood alcohol content of .115. Standard Field Sobriety Testing was not conducted due to the accident.
At the hospital, a blood sample was taken from Carlisle and sent to the Indiana Department of Toxicology Lab for analysis (results pending). After a CT scan and x-rays, Carlisle was medically cleared and transported to the Lawrence County Jail without incident.
An affidavit of probable cause outlines the investigating officer’s belief that a crime has been committed. Criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
