TIPPECANOE COUNTY – On August 9, 2026, shortly before 1:00 p.m., Indiana State Police Radio Region 1 Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a semi tractor-trailer traveling erratically and having difficulty maintaining its lane.
Trooper Fike located the semi tractor-trailer traveling southbound near the 175-mile marker of Interstate 65. Trooper Fike observed the vehicle having difficulty maintaining its lane and conducted a traffic stop.
The driver was identified as Mykola Velga, 63, of Brooklyn, New York.
During the traffic stop, Trooper Fike developed probable cause to believe Velga was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Trooper Fike also conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection, which resulted in Velga being placed out of service.
Trooper Fike subsequently transported Velga to the Tippecanoe County Jail.
Operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired poses a significant danger to other motorists due to the size and weight of these vehicles. The Indiana State Police reminds motorists that impaired driving can have serious and potentially deadly consequences, particularly when it involves a commercial motor vehicle traveling on an interstate.
Police arrested Mykola Velga, 63, of Brooklyn, New York, on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC of 0.15 or More, a Class A misdemeanor
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.
