A LaPorte man was arrested early Sunday morning on charges of operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana following a traffic stop on U.S. 31.
According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, a deputy stopped a 2016 gray Kia Soul for traffic violations on U.S. 31 at 12th Road at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 15th.
During the stop, the deputy determined that the driver, 33-year-old James T. Birgans III of LaPorte, had been drinking. Birgans agreed to perform field sobriety tests and submit to a certified chemical test. Following the testing, Birgans was found to be intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .10%, which is above Indiana's legal limit of .08%. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Marshall County Jail.
Birgans was booked for operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana, and held on a and $1,500 cash bond
All charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Indiana AG warns of human trafficking during Final Four
Truck traffic restricted for roundabout work on State Road 28 in Tipton
Bills signed to protect kids from exploitation on social media, crack down on online predators
Voter registration deadline April 6
Flags ordered to half-staff for Captain Seth Koval
National Band Expo on May 16 at Sweetwater
Indiana launches enforcement campaign to target distracted driving and speeding
Indianapolis Indians named title partner of the 2026 Indiana State Fair
