MITCHELL — A 45-year-old Mitchell man is facing multiple felony charges after police found him passed out near a city street, registering a blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit, before he physically fought with correctional officers during booking.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Mitchell Police Detective Cody Grogan, officers were alerted by a passerby on August 24, who reported an unconscious man lying near the roadway. Detective Grogan and Officer Phillip Emery responded to Curry Street near 6th Street, where they located David Maples sitting up in the grass.
Maples told officers he had been drinking alcohol, had fallen near the road, and had decided to take a nap. Officers observed that Maples had slurred speech, poor balance, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Maples initially denied having an identification card, but officers observed one inside his wallet when he opened it. When shown his ID, Maples insisted it was a driver’s license, not an ID.
Maples submitted to a preliminary breath test, which registered an alcohol concentration of 0.308%.
When informed he was being arrested for public intoxication, Maples attempted to walk away, stating his ride was nearby. Detective Grogan secured Maples in handcuffs, and he was transported to IU Health Bedford for medical clearance before being taken to the Lawrence County Jail.
Upon arrival at the jail, Maples reportedly became combative. According to statements from Jail Officers, Maples refused to change into jail-issued clothing. When officers attempted to assist him, Maples physically resisted and fought with jail staff and Officer Emery.
During the struggle, Officer Noble sustained multiple scratches behind his right ear, red marks on his right arm, and a torn shoulder flap on his uniform.
Maples was remanded to the Lawrence County Jail on preliminary charges of:
- Battery against a public safety official resulting in bodily injury (Level 5 felony)
- Resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury (Level 6 felony)
- Public intoxication by alcohol (Class B misdemeanor)
- Disorderly conduct (Class B 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.
