DATE: August 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Sobriety Checkpoint Results for August 6, 2026
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-0807
CONTACT: Lt. Erik Nilssen
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Traffic Safety Partnership conducted a sobriety checkpoint on Thursday, August 6, 2026, restricting southbound traffic on North Fulton Avenue near Florida Street. Law enforcement officers from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Evansville Police Department, Indiana State Police, and Indiana State Excise Police participated as part of a statewide enforcement initiative aimed at detecting and deterring impaired driving.
The checkpoint operated from 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, until approximately 2:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7. During that time, 78 southbound vehicles on North Fulton Avenue were diverted into the checkpoint.
As a result, five (5) individuals were arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. Of those five arrests, four involved suspected drug impairment and were evaluated by certified Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). Several other drivers admitted to consuming alcohol and underwent standardized field sobriety testing. Drivers showing signs of impairment were further evaluated and, when appropriate, were offered alternate transportation if their breath alcohol concentration approached the legal limit. Motorists who had not been drinking and possessed a valid driver’s license were typically back on the road in less than 90 seconds.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officers working the checkpoint issued three (3) misdemeanor citations, as well as multiple traffic citations and written warnings.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson said, “We would much rather change someone’s behavior than arrest them. But some drivers still have not gotten the message about the dangers and penalties associated with drunk driving. The only thing likely to get through to them is an arrest and a trip to the jail.”
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Traffic Safety Partnership conducts sobriety checkpoints on a regular basis to detect and deter impaired driving. Indiana law requires advance public notice of sobriety checkpoints as part of a neutral operational plan. In addition to meeting legal requirements, publicizing checkpoint operations is intended to discourage impaired driving and encourage motorists to designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or choose not to drive after consuming alcohol or other impairing substances.
Funding for local sobriety checkpoint operations is provided by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Arrests:
Terry Adams Sr., 52, Evansville, IN
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (Prior Conviction – Level 6 Felony)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated – Refusal
Jeremiah Canniff, 23, Evansville, IN
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation – Suspected Narcotics Impairment
Keyshawn Jordan, 18, Evansville, IN
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation – Suspected Narcotics Impairment
Kerby Louis, 40, Evansville, IN
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation – Suspected Narcotics Impairment
Daniel Bledsoe, 66, Evansville, IN
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
- Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation – Suspected Narcotics Impairment
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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