The vehicle reportedly struck the concrete median wall and then exited and stopped on the ramp at Grant St. Trooper Eric Madry responded and located the vehicle and driver. The driver was standing outside of the vehicle as he had locked himself out of his vehicle. Additional troopers arrived and an O.W.I. investigation was conducted. The driver, Clinton Triplett, 49, from Chicago, IL failed the field sobriety tests.
Mr. Triplett refused to take the certified breath test. Trooper Madry then transported the driver to Southlake Methodist Hospital in Merrillville where a warrant to obtain the driver’s blood was requested and granted by a Lake County Judge. The driver was then transported to the Lake County Jail. The vehicle was impounded by Caruther’s Towing. Mr. Triplett is being charged with the following: O.W.I.- Class A Misdemeanor, O.W.I.- Class C Misdemeanor, Violation of No Travel Order (I.C. 10-14-3-34)- Class B Misdemeanor.
The Indiana State Police reminds citizens that if you drive impaired during this Essential Travel Only Order, you can be charged with violating said order, in addition to Operating While Intoxicated.
*All suspects are innocent until proved guilty in court*