DATE: Monday, April 06, 2015
SUBJECT: Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Struck by Drunk Driver
RELEASE NUMBER: 2015-NR-025
CONTACT: Lt. Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding
On Sunday, April 05, 2015 at approximately 11:40pm, a Sheriff’s Deputy advised central dispatch that he was involved in a traffic accident on N. Green River Road near Morgan Centre Drive. The deputy had been southbound when he observed a black GMC Yukon SUV enter the roadway from the area of O’Brians Sports Bar. The deputy was unable to avoid colliding with the passenger side of the SUV.
The driver of the SUV was identified as Mr. Adam Matthew Gerteisen. Mr. Gerteisen admitted causing the crash and to having consumed alcoholic beverages prior to driving.
No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Testing at the confinement center revealed Mr. Gerteisen’s breath alcohol content (BrAC) to be .231. Mr. Gerteisen’s driving record indicated that he has a pervious conviction for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated in Vanderburgh County from May of 2012.
This is the second instance of a drunk driver striking a sheriff’s patrol vehicle in less than a year. The previous crash occurred on S. Green River Road on September 18, 2014.
Sheriff Dave Wedding stated, “The prevalence of drunk driving is truly frightening. A glance at recent local headlines shows just how frequently drunk drivers cause devastating crashes in our community.” Sheriff Wedding added, “Our office will continue to spread the word about the dangers of drunk driving and arrest those who refuse heed the message.”
ARRESTED:
Adam Matthew Gerteisen (pictured above), 33, of Evansville. Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated as a Level 6 Felony, Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated with a BAC Greater than .15 as a Class A Misdemeanor, Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated as a Class A Misdemeanor, Failure to Yield Right of Way as a Class C Infraction
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