ISP: Intoxicated woman taken into custody after calling 911 on herself

The Indiana State Police (ISP) Lowell Post arrested an intoxicated woman on I-65 after receiving a 911 call from her.

According to an ISP press release, on Sunday at approximately 1:36 a.m. ISP dispatch received a 911 call from a woman ultimately identified as Meisha Thomas, 42, of Chicago, Illinois, who appeared heavily intoxicated and gave dispatchers erratic information. Dispatch traced the caller’s location as she drove south on I-65 at the 240-mile marker in Lake County, Indiana.

ISP Trooper Haddon responded by locating a car matching the caller’s location and traveling between 20 and 50 miles per hour in a posted 70-mile-per-hour zone on I-65, exiting Lake County and entering Jasper County. The trooper saw the car as it swung between lanes, obstructing traffic and forcing other cars to avoid it.

The automobile first failed to stop but eventually came to a halt in the left lane of the interstate after the trooper activated their lights and sirens. The trooper made contact with the driver, Thomas, and saw several indicators of impairment, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, and a strong stench of alcohol.

Thomas informed the trooper that she had left the casino in Gary and was on her way to Chicago, but she had really traveled about 36 miles away. Thomas was unable to safely complete any field sobriety tests owing to her degree of intoxication and declined a breathalyzer test. A search warrant was later acquired for a blood draw, and the sample was taken at a hospital.

According to the press statement, Thomas made many sexual remarks and physical approaches toward the arresting officer, even attempting to kiss him while he was securing her seatbelt. Despite being requested to stop, Thomas persisted, resulting in an extra charge of battery on a public safety official.

Thomas was brought to Jasper County Jail and was first charged with:

Battery Against a Public Safety Official Engaged in Official Duty (Level 6 Felony)
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person (Class A Misdemeanor)
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor)
Reckless Driving (Class C Misdemeanor)